3. This is where the Mayans were settled. It was known as
the Yucatan Peninsula.
4. Topography:
-volcanic mountains-comprised highlands in south to
lowlands in central and northern regions
Southern Lowlands is covered by a rainforest and
swamps.
Northern Lowlands is also comprised of forests, but is
much drier and mainly grew small thorny trees.
5. The Maya civilization originated in the lowlands of
Mexico and Central America.
They may have had a population of over 10 million at
the peak of their civilization.
6. Mayan cities were once ruled by kings that had a lot of
power over the people who lived there. The king was
the Chief and the high priest.
7. By 500 B.C.E., Tikal became the first great Maya City.
Tikal had a plaza and paved roads.
At its peak, it had an urban population of 40,000
and a rural population of 50,000.
8.
9. (ON TOP) King or High Priest (ahaw)
(SECOND )Council (Priesthood) - often part of the
Royal Family
(THIRD) Nobles
(FORTH) Merchants & Artisans
(Bottom) Commoners - Farmers (and Slaves)
10. The Maya Empire included dozens of city states in the
areas which are now:
Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador
11.
12.
13. Religion was very important for the Mayan’s. The
Mayan’s had festivals to celebrate the many gods. Their
gods symbolize everything from
weather, harvest, birth, death, and war. The Mayan’s
made many temples honoring these gods.
14. The Maya were the most advanced society of pre-
Columbian America.
They used their knowledge of astronomy in their
planting cycles, festivals, and even in planning war.
15. The Maya Developed Three Separate Calendars:
The Ritual Calendar of 260 days
The Civil Calendar of 365 days
And the Long Count
The Long Count will end on 2012 – to the Maya it
meant the end of civilization, and the beginning of a
glorious, new one.
