Mayan History
What happened to some of the major Mayan cities around AD 900?
They were suddenly abandoned.
What materials did the Maya use to build their grand cities?
Wood from rainforests and limestone.
Which modern day countries were part of ancient Mayan territory?
Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador.
What was happening in Mayan society around AD 1500?
Mayan society was still thriving but about to change forever.
What type of stone did the Maya use to make tools and weapons?
Flint.
What type of climate did coastal cities in the Mayan territory have?
A tropical climate that was hot and humid with a lot of rainfall.
Who were the explorers that discovered many Mayan cities in the 1800s?
John Lloyd Stephens and Fredrick Catherwood
How did wealthy Maya show off their wealth?
By using valuable resources like quetzal feathers and jade.
Which city was located in the highlands and had a diverse landscape?
Copán.
What did Stephens buy for 50 dollars?
The ruins at Copán.
What did Mayan farmers struggle to find?
Farmland.
What wildlife and natural features were present in the lowland region of Mayan territory?
A huge range of wildlife and hundreds of species of trees.
In which century did the Spanish invaders begin to fight the Maya?
The early 1500s.
What farming techniques did the Maya invent?
New farming techniques that made it easier to grow crops.
How big was Mayan territory in square kilometers?
Around 324,000 km².