a social structure in the shape of a pyramid, with layers representing social classes of different rank
Social Pyramid
What made it possible for the Olmecs and the Maya to create permanent settlements?
Farming
hieroglyphics are a type of ________
writing
The ___________served as scribes and officials, and oversaw the administration of the states.
Nobles
Maya girls celebrated reaching adulthood at 12; boys did so at_______
14
a farming technique in which vegetation is cut away and burned to clear land for growing crops
Slash and Burn
One skill that the Maya adapted from the Olmecs was a way to
Writing
Who was at the top of the social pyramid?
Ruler
Trade was carried out by___________
merchants
Marriages were arranged by the village _______
Matchmaker
a gift of an animal for slaughter to honor the gods
Sacrifice
This crop was very important In Maya culture
Corn or maize
How many rulers did each city have?
One
The backbone of society
Peasants
Huts were often built from __________ and thatch.
mud
a large plaza in a city center, surrounded by temples and palaces, where religious rituals and other public ceremonies took place
Ceremonial Center
When a Maya couple first married, where did they go live?
Behind the bride's parents' house
What does it mean to be polytheistic?
To worship more than one god
At this age, the baby girl was introduced to the tools she would use throughout her life.
3 months
These individuals were tasked with maintaining favor with the gods.
Priests
the people of an important Mesoamerican civilization that lasted from about 2000 B.C.E. to 1500 C.E.
Maya
Which agricultural technique did the Maya use to farm in the mountains?
Terraces
The Maya death mask was made mostly of this stone
Jade
At this age, the baby boy was introduced to the tools he would use throughout his life.
4 months
Free people could become enslaved (true or false)
true