Where did the Maya live?
Mesoamerica
What did the Mayans need to survive and why?
Trade because it was the the key to survival and helped villages grow
What did the Mayans trade?
Obsidian and cacao beans
What became the center of of the Mayan civilization?
the Yucatan peninsula
How many cities were there during the Mayan civilization?
40
What were some things that Mayan cities had?
Public plazas, pyramids, temples, canals, and ball courts
What were the factors that led to Mayan decline?
Warfare, drought, rebellion, and a decreased food supply
What was the Mayan upper class made of? (4)
Kings, priests, professional warriors, and merchants
WHo were the Mayan rulers thought to be related to and communicated with?
Gods
Who was the most educated, had knowledge of math and astronomy, was in charge of keeping a calendar, and planned religious ceremonies?
Blood and human sacrifices
What were the Mayan stories and legends called?
Codices
Who was the Mayan king who had a temple built to record his achievements as a ruler?
Pacal
The Maya used these to watch and record the movements of the sun, planets, and stars
Observatories
What city did Pacal rule?
Palenque
A collection of stories that became a valuable source of information about the Maya
Popol Vuh
Since the Maya civilization was not united, each city was ruled by its own one of these
Their own king
Maya farmers shaped hillsides into these in order to grow crops
Terraces