1. Do Now What did you do this weekend? OR
What two historical events were celebrated this weekend?

2. The Mayas
Subtitle

3. Where and When Civilization in the Americas, specifically Mesoamerica
Modern-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and El Salvador
Peak: 300 – 900 CE
Geography: Pine forest, Rainforest, swamp, mountains, and jungle.

4. The olmec Descendants of the Olmec people
Lived on the east coast of Mexico, between 1200 and 500 BC
Based on agriculture, main crop: maize
First Mesoamerican civilization to establish ceremonial centers

5. Three Periods Pre Classic Period 2000 BC-300 CE Classic Period
Made own system of Hieroglyphics
Farmed Land, simple housing
Classic Period CE
Large buildings and temples
Independent states
Post-Classic Period
900CE-1500CE
Rest of Civilization Collapses
Only area in Yucatan Peninsula remains

6. Religious Beliefs
Cities were built around temples and ceremonial centers
Were polytheistic – believed in almost 160 gods
Only priests can explain signs from god and lead rituals
Would make human sacrifices to gods
No decision was made without the gods’ advice

7. Farming Primary food – maize
Biggest challenge – growing enough food for growing population
Mountain farming – built terraces into hills for crops
Swamps – built platforms
Forest – slash and burn agriculture, works but wears out land