Mayan Civilization
Which civilization built large step pyramids and developed an advanced calendar system?
What is Mayas
Which civilization used quipus—knotted strings—to record information?
The Incas
Which civilization created chinampas, or “floating gardens,” to increase farmland?
The Aztecs
Which belief was common to the Maya, Aztec, and Inca religions?
Belief in many gods connected to nature
From a Christian perspective, what is one positive value we can admire about the Aztec, Maya, or Inca civilizations
Strong community organization, Advanced engineering, Dedication to learning and observation (astronomy, farming, architecture), and Hard work, craftsmanship, and creativity
What part of the Americas is the Maya empire located?
Southern Mexico
What was a major reason the Inca were able to manage such a large empire across mountains?
A system of roads and messengers
Which practice in Aztec religion most clearly conflicts with biblical teachings about the value of human life?
Human sacrifice
Which of these civilizations offered human sacrifices?
All of them
From a Christian perspective, which characteristic of these civilizations reflects the biblical idea of stewardship and creativity?
Their achievements in architecture, farming, and engineering
The Maya were known for their written language. What was its name?
Hieroglyphics
What part of the Americas is the Inca empire located?
South America - Peru
What part of the Americas is the Aztec empire located.
Central Mexico
Who were the two groups of Mayas that directed the worship of gods?
The shamans and the priest
From a Christian perspective, what is one practice from these civilizations that conflicts with Christian teachings? Why?
Human sacrifice, Worship of many gods, & Believing rulers were divine
How did the Maya show God-given creativity and intelligence in their society?
What is the developed an advanced calendar system, created a complex writing system, built impressive cities and pyramids, and these achievements reflect God-given intelligence
Explain how the Inca demonstrated good stewardship of the land God created.
They built terrace farms to grow crops on mountainsides and prevent erosion, constructed a vast road network to connect their empire, and these things show careful use of the environment and reflect stewardship of God’s creation
What were the two civilizations in the Aztec empire?
The Olmecs and the Zapotecs
Compare the religion of one civilization (Maya, Aztec, or Inca) to Christianity.
Christianity teaches one eternal God; these civilizations believed in many nature-based gods, Christianity focuses on prayer, Scripture, and obedience; these civilizations used rituals and sacrifices, Christianity teaches Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice; these civilizations practiced continual offerings, including human sacrifice (especially the Aztec), & Christianity teaches life is sacred; human sacrifice devalues life
People in the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). How should this truth shape the way we study and talk about these civilizations?
People from all civilizations have inherent value because they are made in God’s image, We study these civilizations with respect, not superiority, Their achievements show God-given creativity, & Their moral failures show the universal human need for Jesus.
What were the three time periods that happened during the Mayan empire?
Preclassic period (2000 BC - AD 250), Classic period (250 - 900 AD), and Postclassic period ((50-1539 AD)
What is the most famous city of the Inca empire?
Machu Picchu
What did the social structure of the Aztec empire resemble?
A pyramid
What did the four directions signify in Mayan religion?
North - straight up
East - Rebirth
South - Underworld
West - Death
Many of these civilizations practiced human sacrifice because they believed their gods demanded it. Using Scripture, explain why Christians believe that Jesus’ sacrifice makes all other sacrifices unnecessary and why human life is sacred.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the need for sacrifices once and for all, God loves all people and sent His Son for salvation, Human life is precious and created with purpose, & Human sacrifice contradicts God’s commands and the sanctity of life.