1. The Mayans

2. Mayan Civilization (1800 BC- 1000AD)
Lasted for around 2000 years! Built one of the greatest civilizations of all time.
And disappeared suddenly.

3. Mayan Introduction
The Mayans were one of the most advanced civilizations in history.
Their scientific and astrological studies created an accurate 365 day calendar

4. Intro to the Mayans
The Mayans were one of the most advanced civilizations in history.
Their scientific and astrological studies created an accurate 365 day calendar
They had the most advanced writing system called “Glyphs.
Very similar to hieroglyphic symbols
Collections of these glyphs would be found in what are called “Codex”, or book.

5. Compass
Mayans believed gods associated with different colors represented the cardinal directions
North
East
West
Center
South

6. Geography
The Mayans lived in the area of Central America in what is now Yucatan, Guatemala, Belize & Southern Mexico.

7. Geography Continued
The land consists of rainforests, swamps, & savannas. The highlands, in the south, were volcanic mountains.
The northern climate was hot and rainy

8. Government
Much like the Ancient Egyptians, the Mayan had a king whom they viewed as a God. The King and Queen made up the royal family and the Noble Class
The other 99% was comprised of commoners.
Not much is known of everyday Mayan, because their homes were made from materials that wore down over time.

10. Goverment
The military ruler or the “nacom” played a huge role in the government. The nacom had a 3 year term.
There was also a nacom for human sacrifices.
The nacom would be in charge of cutting and ripping out the hearts of the victims.

11. I volunteer as tribute!

12. Mayan Sacrifice

14. Mayan Economy The Mayans had an extensive trading network
Did not use “money”
Instead they used: Jade, gold, copper, and pottery
And food, clothing, salt, ect.
Which do you think was worth more?

15. Economy continued Mayans produced corn, beans, and squash.
Used “slash and burn” agriculture techniques.

16. Mayan religion
Religion was the center of Mayan life and it led to many advances in their civilization.

17. Religion
Mayans were polytheists who built large pyramids to honor gods In order to make the various gods happy, the Mayans offered their blood, food, and even human sacrifices to please them.

18. Religion Continued
Mayans believed that Priests had the spirit of animals living inside of them, and could communicate to the Gods.
This gave priests a lot of power.
Priests decided when to plant crops, when people could marry, and to whom they could get married. (Basically, everything needed a priests approval)

19. Mayan Art/Architecture

20. Art
Created an accurate calendar with 365 days that could predict eclipses and the day of the week many thousands of years in the future.

21. Art Developed the concept of “0”
Used a “Base 20” form of numbering. Why 20?
Place values are arranged vertically

22. Mayan ballgame

23. Play Ball

26. 25 Interesting facts about the Mayan
Video

27. Decline No one really knows what was the cause of the Mayan's decline.
What they do know is that over-population occured as well as over use of land. Therefore less crops grew each year. This period also consisted of warfare within the city states. This disrupted their trade.
This eventually led to great wars with other native groups.