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E. Napp
The Mayas
In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:
Mayas
Farming Techniques of the Mayas
Religious beliefs of the Mayas
Class Hierarchy of the Mayas
Accomplishments of the Mayas
E. Napp
TheMayaslivedin
southernMexico
and Guatemala.
E. Napp
The Mayas
• From about 250 A.D., the Mayas built a civilization in present-day Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico.
• The Mayas developed an advanced civilization in Central America.
E. Napp
Underdifficult
geographiccircumstances,
the Mayasfarmed
successfullyand builtbeautiful
cities.
E. Napp
Agriculture
• The Mayas drained swamps to farm.
• The Mayas erected platforms for farming in the rain forest.
• The Mayas irrigated their fields of corn, beans, and other plants to produce agricultural surpluses.
E. Napp
It was difficult land to farm on but Mayanfarming techniques produced agricultural
surpluses.
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Religion
• The Mayas were polytheists. They believed in many gods.
• A large temple pyramid stood in the middle of every Mayan city.
• Cities were religious centers.
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The Mayas lived in city-states. Thecity-states never united. A large
temple pyramid stood in themiddle of each city.
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Trade
• The Mayas traded extensively.
• Traders sold salt, honey, cotton, bird feathers, food, and slaves.
• The Mayas profited greatly from trade.
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Tradewasvery
importantto the Mayas.
E. Napp
The Class Hierarchy
• The Mayas divided themselves into three groups.
• Rulers were the most powerful members of society followed by warriors and priests.
• Artisans, merchants, peasants, and slaves were the least powerful members of society.
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The Mayas invented a calendar.
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Accomplishments
• The Mayas invented a calendar.
• The Mayas invented a mathematical system based on the number 20.
• The Mayas studied astronomy and built pyramids.
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Questions for Reflection:
• Who were the Mayas and where did they live?
• Why is it surprising that the Mayas produced agricultural surpluses?
• Why did the Mayas build pyramids?
• What did the Mayas trade?
• List several accomplishments of the Mayas.