1. Key Terms Mayas Farming Techniques of the Mayas Religious beliefs of the Mayas Class Hierarchy of the Mayas Accomplishments of the Mayas Coach Smith

2. The Mayas lived in southern Mexico and Guatemala.

3. The Mayas  From about 250 A.D., the Mayas built a civilization in present-day Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico.  The Mayas developed an advanced civilization in Central America. Coach Smith

4. Under difficult geographic circumstances, the Mayas farmed successfully and built beautiful cities.

5. Agriculture  The Mayas drained swamps to farm.  The Mayas erected platforms for farming in the rain forest.  The Mayas irrigated their fields of corn, beans, and other plants to produce agricultural surpluses. Coach Smith

6. It was difficult land to farm on but Mayan farming techniques produced agricultural surpluses.

7. Religion  The Mayas were polytheists. They believed in many gods.  A large temple pyramid stood in the middle of every Mayan city.  Cities were religious centers. Coach Smith

8. The Mayas lived in city-states. The city-states never united. A large temple pyramid stood in the middle of each city.

9. Trade  The Mayas traded extensively.  Traders sold salt, honey, cotton, bird feathers, food, and slaves.  The Mayas profited greatly from trade. Coach Smith

10. Trade was very important to the Mayas.

11. The Class Hierarchy  The Mayas divided themselves into three groups.  Rulers were the most powerful members of society followed by warriors and priests.  Artisans, merchants, peasants, and slaves were the least powerful members of society. Coach Smith

12. The Mayas invented a calendar.

13. Accomplishments  The Mayas invented a calendar.  The Mayas invented a mathematical system based on the number 20.  The Mayas studied astronomy and built pyramids. Coach Smith

14. Questions for Reflection:  Who were the Mayas and where did they live?  Why is it surprising that the Mayas produced agricultural surpluses?  Why did the Mayas build pyramids?  What did the Mayas trade?  List several accomplishments of the Mayas. Coach Smith