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Social Structure
Religion
Family Life
Agriculture
Origins/Geography
100
How was the ruler of the Mayan people tied to their religion?
He was considered a "god-king"
100
Did Mayan people believe in many gods or one supreme god?
Many - over 160 total
100
Who was generally in charge of hunting and working in the fields?
Mayan men
100
Name 3 crops the Maya grew.
Corn, beans, squash, chili peppers
100
What region extending from southern Mexico through Central America did the Maya Civilization flourish??
Mesoamerica
200
What were the main jobs of peasants in Mayan society?
They worked the fields to grow crops, helped to build public buildings, and served as soldiers during war time.
200
Why did the Maya people provide offerings and sacrifices up to their gods?
They believed the gods would punish them without these "gifts" to make them happy.
200
What were at least 2 of the general duties of Mayan women in their family??
Prepare meals, grind corn, cared for small children and animals, wove cotton into cloth
200
How did the Maya adjust to growing crops in the steep mountains regions of the north??
They built steps or flat terraces into the side of the mountains.
200
What people did the Maya borrow many cultural traits from??
The Olmec people
300
What special trait, that no other social class possessed, did nobles and priests share with the ruler?
The ability to read and write.
300
Give a brief explanation of the rules and purpose of the game pok-a-tok.
Players used elbows, wrists, and hips to hit a rubber ball through a stone hoop. Probably nobles who played to settled arguments, or for entertainment. Losers may have been sacrificed or beheaded.
300
At what ages were Mayan people expected to marry? Men and women?
Men at 20, women at 14.
300
In which region was it necessary to build raised wooden platforms to plant crops?? Why??
The lowland swamps - so as not to flood the crops.
300
What 5 modern day countries cover now the area the Maya once inhabited??
Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Belize
400
How did people become slaves in Mayan society?
They were born into slavery or were captures and made slaves during war.
400
What signs did Mayan priests "read" from the sacred round?? What secret knowledge did they determine for the people?
Best days to hunt, plant, cure, do battle, and perform religious ceremonies.
400
Name the two major special occasions of each Mayan child besides marriage.
3 months (women) = the three stones, 4 months (men) = tools 12 year old (women) = coming of age, 14 (men) = coming of age
400
What were two possible explanations for the sudden "disappearance" of the southern Mayan cities?
1. Not enough crops to feed rapidly growing population 2. Severe drought or crop failure 3. Intensified warfare eliminated population
400
Name at least 3 techniques/ideas that the Maya borrowed and improved upon from the Olmec people.
Pyramid building/building techniques, agricultural techniques, ceremonial centers, solar calendar
500
Why were merchants and artisans important to supplying the luxuries for the elite ruling classes?
They traded and create many of the luxuries that only the rich ruling class were able to afford - obsidian and jade, copal, tree sap for incense, painted books, sculptures, and intricate cloth
500
Why did priests hold such a high place of honor and privilege within Mayan civilization?
Everything the Maya did was in-line with their religious beliefs and priests were the only ones who could interpret the gods' divine knowledge.
500
How were marriages organized for brides and grooms?
By a matchmaker who decided how much food, clothing, and how many years the man would work for the bride's family.
500
What was the resulting issue from continued practice of the jungle cities "slash and burn" agriculture?
It would wear out the soil quickly and crops would only survive a couple years with that technique.
500
How did Mayan culture change during the "Post-Classic" period of Mayan civilization?
Less artistic and culture focus and renewed militaristic/empire building.