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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

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TheMayaslivedin

southernMexico

and Guatemala.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.