3. Read the following article about the history of the ruins in El Salvador,
4.
5. Exercise
TAZUMAL JOYA DE CERÉN SAN ANDRÉS
It is preservation is due to more than 10 layers of ash that covered for more
than 1,400 years, until was discovered in 1976.
One of the most important sculptures found on this site is the Stele.
It has been a place of important findings, including a religious scepter made of
flint.
Exploring Grammar.
Complete the table using comparatives and superlatives
Adjective Comparative Superlative
big bigger
large largest
Many/much more
expensive More expensive
beautiful Most beautiful
long longer
few fewer
Read the following article about National Anthropology Museum
of El Salvador then discuss with classmates.
The National Museum of Anthropology Dr. David J. Guzman (MUNA) is located
on Avenida Revolution, San Benito, San Salvador, El Salvador. According to its
principles, the institution fosters closeness and Salvadorans reflection on their
cultural identity in the fields of archeology and anthropology. The means to
6. accomplish this end include exhibitions, research, publications and educational
programs.
The National Museum arose from an executive order on October 9, 1883 during
the presidential term of Dr. Rafael Zaldivar. Its first director was Dr. David J.
Guzman, author of Prayer to the Salvadoran flag, and objects included
presentations on the history, biology and geology. In its early years it was
housed in various locations, the first being the University of El Salvador, and
later in Spain Villa (1902) with samples scientific, agricultural and industrial.
After relocating to the House Model (1904-1911), came to the close by "not
producing good of the nation in any of the results you set out to achieve." It
reappeared in 1913 in the same place by the Institute of Natural History and
Botanical Garden.
Later the area was located in the former Presidential Palace of El Salvador
(1927) in the San Jacinto. From the August 13, 1945 holds its current name in
honor of Dr. Guzman. In 1962 he was transferred to Avenida Revolution. Since
1974 acquired an anthropological and historical. These facilities were severely
damaged in the earthquake of 1986, so it was demolished in 1993. The current
building was opened in 1999 and opened in 2001.
Answer the following question.
1- Where was the first place was The National Museum of Anthropology Dr.
David J. Guzman?
2- In what year was inaugurated the museum?
3- Who was the first director of the museum?
4- How many rooms have the museum?
5- In what year the current building was inaugurated?
7. Read the following article of maya art and artifacts and after that try
to find out new vocabulary and share with the rest of the class.
The art of the
Maya has been
called the
richest of the
New World
because of the
great
complexity of
patterns and
variety of media
expressions.
Limestone
structures, faced
with lime
stucco, were the
hallmark of ancient Maya architecture. Maya buildings were adorned with carved friezes and
roof combs in stone and stucco. With large quantities of limestone and flint available, plaster
and cement were easily produced. This allowed the Mayans to build impressive temples, with
stepped pyramids. On the summits were thatched- roof temples.
Evidence show that the early Maya architects were using the corbel vault principle, which is
arch like structures with sides that extend inward until they meet at the top.
Another matchless feature of the Mayans was the use of colorful murals. It is also noted that
most of the Maya cities were built by being divided into quaters by two avenues which cross-cut
each other at right angles. Roofs were flat and made with cedar beams overlaid with mortar. The
walls were plastered and painted with great gods and other mythological features.
Tombs were often encased within or beneath Mayan structures. Frequently new temples were
built over existing structures.
The Mayans also expressed themselves artistically. Their ceramics were made in a large variety
of forms and decorated with complex scenes.
The Mayans also designed works of art from flint, bone and shell, along with making decorated
cotton textiles. Even metal was used for ceremonial purposes. Items made with metal include
necklaces, bracelets and headresses.
8. It is evident that all of the structures built by the ancient Mayans were built in honor of the gods.
Compounds were built with large open areas, from which all the citizens could view the
religious ceremonies taking place on the platforms elevated above the city. On the other hand,
the construction of the Castillo, seems to relate to the ancient Maya's obsession with the
calendar. For example, each stairway in the temple has 91 steps, making a total of 364 steps in
the four staircases, which, counting the platform at the top of the pyramid, equals the total
number of days in the solar year. Even more so, each side of the pyramid has nine stepped
terraces divided by a stairway, for a total of eighteen sections on each side, consequently, the
number of months in the Mayan calendar.
A honeycombed roofcomb towered above many structures, providing a base for painted plaster
that was the Maya equivalent of the billboard. In addition to temples, most Maya sites had
multi-roomed structures that probably served as royal palaces as well as centers for government
affairs.
Historically significant events, such as accessions, the capture or sacrifice of royal victims and
the completion of the twenty year katun cycle, were recorded on stone stelae and tablets.
Without metal tools, beasts of burden, or even the wheel the Mayans were able to construct vast
cities across a huge jungle landscape with an amazing degree of architectural perfection and
variety.
They were noted as well for elaborate and highly decorated ceremonial architecture, including
temple-pyramids, palaces and observatories, all built without metal tools.
QUIZ 1
Complete the following quiz online about: comparatives and superlatives
adjectives.
http://anthonyhalderman.com/english/compsup.htm
QUIZ 2
Enter the link and watch the video, then make a summary about the video.
http://youtu.be/lNmCPBdkt9s
9. GLOSSARY
Ancient:Classicists study the history, philosophy, languages, and societies of
ancient times
Preservation: wildlife, environment: protection)
Heritage:The status acquired by a person through birth; a birthright: a heritage
of affluence and social position.
Glimpse:A brief, incomplete view or look.
Accomplish:To succeed in doing
Pattern: Design on fabric, paper,
Limestone:Is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and
aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate
Flint:is a hard, sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz.
Plaster:is a building material used for coating walls and ceilings
Corbel:is an architectural member which is designed to support the weight of a
horizontal protrusion.
