1. 16.2 – Maya Kings & Cities

2. Maya Lands stretched from southern Mexico to northern Central America Lowlands (North) – rain forests & dry scrub Highlands (South) – cool, mountainous Built on Olmec influences

3. Urban Centers 250-900 A.D. – Classic Period Build spectacular cities – Tikal, Copán, Chichén Itza Formed independent city-states – Ruled by god-king – Centers for trade & religion Feature pyramids, temples, elaborate carvings, ball courts

5. Agriculture & Trade City-states linked by two things: – Alliances & Trade Trade salt, shells, honey, cotton textiles, jade Cacao acts as currency Diet: Maize, beans, & squash Techniques: – Slash-&-Burn – Raised beds & terraces

7. Society Farming & trade = Huge amounts of wealth Social classes develop – Nobles: priests & warriors – Middle: Merchants & artisans – Bottom: peasants Kings on top society – Holy figure, hereditary

9. Religion Polytheistic – Good, evil, or both Associated with directions & colors – North (White) – South (Yellow) – East (Red) – West (Black) – Center (Green) Worshipped gods through food, flowers, & blood Practiced human sacrifice – Victims into a cenote (hole) w/ gold, jade & offerings – Pleased the gods & balanced the world

10. Math & Astronomy Religion = development of calendars, math, & astronomy Calendars very accurate – Days lucky or unlucky b/c of gods; had to know – Two linked calendars: 260 & 365 days Based on positioning of the sun, moon, & planets Math system based on 20 & included zero = accuracy

11. Written Language Most advanced of the ancient Americas Consisted of ~800 glyphs (symbols) – Whole words of syllables Record writings in a codex Famous writings: Popol Vuh – Recounts the Maya story of creation – P. 448

12. Decline Mysterious decline Late-800s: abandon cities Toltecs settle in lands & change culture Warfare increases & disrupts trade Population growth & over-farming = shortages & famine Maya are weak & divided by time Spaniards arrive