Family Life
In Maya city-states, peasant families lived in these types of structures, often grouped around a shared courtyard
one-room huts made of interwoven poles and dried mud
The Maya civilization was composed of these political entities, each ruled by its own leader.
What are independent city-states
The Maya developed this complex system of writing, using symbols to represent sounds, words, and ideas.
hieroglyphics
The Maya religion was this type, meaning they believed in many gods.
polytheistic
The Maya drank this special beverage, made from cacao beans, especially on special occasions.
hot chocolate
This event in a child's life was celebrated with a ceremony where boys received farming tools and girls received household tools
naming ceremony at four months for boys and three months for girls
The highest ruler in Maya society was known by this title, meaning “true man.”
halach uinic
This numerical concept, essential for advanced mathematics, was one of the Maya's greatest mathematical contributions.
zero
The Maya believed their gods controlled nature and could be both helpful and destructive. This animal was especially sacred to them.
jaguar
These domestic animals were commonly raised by Maya families.
ducks and turkeys
Maya marriages were arranged by this individual, who negotiated the terms between families.
Who is the atanzahab (matchmaker)
In times of war, these individuals led armies and helped maintain relations with the gods
nobles and priests
The Maya used their understanding of astronomy to develop this system, consisting of two cycles: a solar calendar and a sacred calendar.
Maya calendar system
The Maya performed this ritual to give strength to the gods, sometimes including human victims.
blood sacrifice
The Maya had two main seasons; men worked in the fields during this season.
rainy season?
Maya women often started their day by making these foods, which remain staples in modern Latin American cuisine.
tortillas and tamales
These skilled workers created goods for trade and built temples adorned with decorative designs
artisans
The Maya constructed these large stone monuments, often featuring carvings of gods and rulers.
steles
The Maya played this sacred ball game, where the losing team could be sacrificed.
pok-a-tok
This sacred calendar, used by priests, determined the best days for planting, hunting, and performing religious ceremonies.
Tzolkin (Sacred Round)
In Maya culture, coming-of-age ceremonies occurred at these ages for boys and girls
4 for boys and 12 for girls
At the bottom of the Maya social pyramid, these individuals performed hard labor but were not bought or sold.
enslaved people
This architectural feature, with nine stone layers, symbolized the Maya belief in the nine layers of the underworld.
corbel vault
This class of people, capable of interpreting sacred books and signs, led ceremonies and sacrifices.
priests
The Maya wove these embroidered tunics, which are still worn in some regions today
huipiles