Key Terms

Mayas

Farming Techniques of the Mayas

Religious beliefs of the Mayas

Class Hierarchy of the Mayas

Accomplishments of the Mayas

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Coach Smith

TheMayaslivedin

southernMexico

and Guatemala.

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.

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Underdifficult

geographiccircumstances,

the Mayasfarmed

successfullyand builtbeautiful

cities.

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.

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It was difficult land to farm on but Mayanfarming techniques produced agricultural

surpluses.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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