The Mayans were an influential ancient civilization in Central America that developed between 300-900AD. They had a complex social hierarchy and religion, and made significant achievements in agriculture, architecture, mathematics, and astronomy. They invented rubber and created accurate calendars and paintings. However, their cities were eventually abandoned around 900AD possibly due to environmental factors like drought or disease.

1. Relationships, Achievements, Daily Life, Religion and Decline The Mayans

2. The Mayans The Mayans were one of the many influential ancient cultures in Central America. They not only developed a clearly defined social class, but had a well developed religious system. Their society was equipped with agriculture, architecture, and political organization.

3. The Olmecs lived in Mesoamerica around 1200B.C. Olmec culture was strong Were able to develop stone sculptures Worshiped same “jaguar spirit” as most Mesoamerican cultures including the Mayans Olmecs also provided the foundation for trade One of the first civilizations to form in Mesoamerica Mayan culture developed out of the Olmec civilization and traces of Olmec culture were found in Mayan artifacts Olmec And Mayan Relationships

4. Mayan Achievements The period from 300 AD to 900 AD was known as The Classical Period, which is considered the Maya’s Golden Age. Agriculture blossomed, as well as knowledge and technology. They figured out how to predict solar eclipses, which led them to creating the solar calendar. They invented various decorative paints and artistic creating, and built many architectural wonders. It is also believed that the Mayans invented and used rubber. M. Z.

5. Mayan Daily Life The Mayans had a very simple lifestyle. Women would take care of the crops and cook. Men and boys would hunt and make tools. Men wore loincloths, and women wore dresses that resembled sacs. People of nobility, such as religious figures, were allowed to wear much finer garments, usually embellished with shells. Headdresses were worn on special occasions. The Mayans liked to deform their skulls at birth, and covered themselves in tattoos and piercings. They sharpened their teeth and decorated them with jade, as well as covered themselves in body paint for celebrations. M. Z.

6. Religion was very important to the Mayan society. They worshiped nature and tried to explain everything because of the Gods. The Mayans strongly believed in the two worlds of ‘Heaven’ and ‘Hell.’ They also believed that everybody had an animal companion spirit. All of the kings would have a Jaguar as their animal companion. Because they were superior and had the ‘upper hand,’ the Mayan people worshipped the kings and believed they had a direct connection to the Gods. Worship To honor the Gods, the Mayans would sacrifice people, offer food, and shed blood. The Mayans would not sacrifice themselves, but sacrifice captives from war and use them instead. And the shedding of blood was thought to nourish the Gods. It also helped the person connect with their animal spirit. PD

7. Decline In 900 AD, the Mayans abandoned their cities. Historians are not sure, but there might have been possible economic troubles and harsh invasions. Farmland became unfertile and droughts. There was also the possibility that the climate change, earth quakes, and sickness or epidemics forced them to move and settle elsewhere. PD

8. http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112511/religion.htm “Mayan Scientific Achievements.” 2011. The History Channel website. Apr 10 2011, 3:56 http://www.history.com/topics/mayan-scientific-achievements. http://www.kidsnewsroom.org/elmer/infoCentral/frameset/civilizations/maya/daily/index.html Bibliography