Mayans
Location
The Mayan civilization (1800BCE- 1500CE) was located in the south of mexico. The Mayan territory is generally split up into three sections: the southern highlands, the central lowlands and the northern lowlands.
Unlike the Aztecs and the Incas, the Mayans did not have a single capitol city. instead, they had multiple important cities.
Unlike the Aztecs and the Incas, the Mayans did not have a single capitol city. instead, they had multiple important cities.
Architecture
Most Mayans lived in clay huts, but some lived in structures made from a stone called limestone. All of their important buildings were temples. These made from limestone and sat at the tops of step pyramids. Because they were so tall, the pyramids could be used as both landmarks and as reminders that the gods were ever-present.
Science
The Mayans were the most technologically advanced civilization in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. They used their knowledge of astronomy to plan religious ceremonies, planting, harvesting, and festivals. Their knowledge of the stars enabled them to make highly complex calendars. For the Mayans, science and religion went hand in hand.
Social Order
Religious Ceremonies
Early Mayan religious ceremonies included the sacrificing of animals to appease the gods. Eventually they turned to human sacrifice. The people chosen for sacrifice were mostly slaves, prisoners and orphans purchased for the sole purpose of sacrifice. The Mayans also inflicted pain upon themselves because they believed that the spilt blood of humans nourished the gods.
The picture to the left is an ancient Mayan relief (flat carving) depicting a royal blood letting ceremony.
Why do you think the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans all turned to human sacrifice? How do you think it happened? Or was it just coincidence?
The picture to the left is an ancient Mayan relief (flat carving) depicting a royal blood letting ceremony.
Why do you think the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans all turned to human sacrifice? How do you think it happened? Or was it just coincidence?
Mayan Game!
Can't get enough of those Mayans? Click here to play a Mayan word search. If you don't know what a word means, look it up in the glossary section. Make sure that by the end of the game you can tell me at least 3 of the words you found and their relevance.
Now that you've learned about all three civilizations, it is time to test your knowledge with a quiz. Don't think you're ready yet? Go to the top to review the Mayans. Or follow these links to review the Aztecs and the Incas.