Ch 23

Mayans AD Mesoamerica—southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador Based on Olmec Culture Agriculture—corn Create farming villages Long trade routes Used calendar based on sun

Mayan Civilizations 3 Periods – Pre classic – Classic – Post-Classic Pre Classic-simple lives, farmed land, simple house Population grows, larger settlements and develop a writing system—hieroglyphics

Classic Period Improve buildings No metal tools or wheel Large temples and pyramids Charted planets and stars Used math and science Large cities

Post Classic Period Continue empire w/ less art and culture

Class Structure Ruler of each city state is at top Ruler—highest authority, help of advisors – Decide war – God king – Son takes over after death Nobles and Priests—only one who could read – Served as officials – Led armies – Inherit position

Class Structure (con’t) Merchants and Artisans – Trade and crafts – Use rivers, sea and roads to trade w/ empire Peasants – Worked hard on land – Men in fields, built pyramids when not farming – Women stay closer to home

Class Structure (con’t) Slaves—at Bottom – Parents sold children into slavery for $ – Born into

Family Ceremonies and rituals are important Women take care of house, cook, care for children, and make clothes Men hunt, farm, fight and build pyramids Special occasions –birth of child Special ceremony at 3 months for girls and 4 months for boy Coming of age 12 for girls 14 for boys

Marriage—Big Deal 20 for Men 14 for girls Negotiations between families and match maker

Religion Polytheistic Forces in Nature Sacrifices and ceremonies Blood makes god strong, blood from animals and humans

Farming Primary crop is corn Different planting styles based on land Step system Raised field Slash and burn Constant quest for food