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Questions and Answers
What was the main crop and food source of the Maya civilization?
What type of writing system did the Maya develop?
Who deciphered the Maya writing system?
What is remarkable about the Maya calendar?
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What was the purpose of the game of ball played by the Maya?
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What was the common purpose of the stone roads in Maya cities?
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What was characteristic of Maya architecture?
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What is one of the theories about the abandonment of Maya cities?
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Study Notes
Introduction to the Maya Civilization
- The Maya civilization was an extraordinary culture that existed before the arrival of the Spanish in America.
- They built impressive cities with large palaces and pyramids.
- The Maya developed a system of writing and achieved remarkable knowledge in astronomy and mathematics.
Agriculture and Economy
- Agriculture was the base of the Maya economy.
- Maize was their main crop and food source.
- The Maya started as simple farmers, but over time, they organized themselves into a more complex society.
Writing System
- The Maya developed a writing system that was not alphabetic, but rather syllabic and logographic.
- They wrote on different supports, such as architecture, ceramics, and wood.
- The writing system was deciphered by a Soviet investigator, Yuri Knorosov, in the 1950s.
Calendar
- The Maya created a calendar that is considered one of the most accurate in the world.
- Their calendar is more precise than the one used today.
Cities
- The Maya built over 120 cities, including Tikal, Palenque, and Chichen Itza.
- Cities were abandoned for unknown reasons, leaving behind a mystery.
- Cities were connected by stone roads, allowing for trade and communication between cities and with other peoples.
Architecture
- Maya architecture is characterized by temples, palaces, and plazas.
- Buildings were painted in different colors, including red, green, white, and black.
- The colors were obtained from natural sources, such as insects, plants, and minerals.
Game of Ball
- The Maya played a sacred ball game in special courts.
- The game was played with a rubber ball and required great skill and agility.
- The game was considered sacred, and some believe that the winners were sacrificed.
Abandonment of Cities
- The Maya abandoned their cities for unknown reasons.
- Theories include:
- Environmental degradation and lack of food.
- Epidemics or natural disasters.
- Wars or invasions.
- Drought or lack of water.
Legacy
- The Maya civilization continues to exist, with millions of people identifying as Maya.
- The Maya legacy is rich and diverse, with a strong cultural identity.
- The UNESCO has recognized Chichen Itza as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a cultural heritage site.
Introduction to the Maya Civilization
- The Maya civilization was an extraordinary culture that existed before the arrival of the Spanish in America.
- They built impressive cities with large palaces and pyramids.
- The Maya developed a system of writing and achieved remarkable knowledge in astronomy and mathematics.
Agriculture and Economy
- Agriculture was the base of the Maya economy.
- Maize was their main crop and food source.
- The Maya started as simple farmers, but over time, they organized themselves into a more complex society.
Writing System
- The Maya developed a syllabic and logographic writing system.
- They wrote on different supports, such as architecture, ceramics, and wood.
- The writing system was deciphered by Yuri Knorosov, a Soviet investigator, in the 1950s.
Calendar
- The Maya created a calendar that is considered one of the most accurate in the world.
- Their calendar is more precise than the one used today.
Cities
- The Maya built over 120 cities, including Tikal, Palenque, and Chichen Itza.
- Cities were abandoned for unknown reasons, leaving behind a mystery.
- Cities were connected by stone roads, allowing for trade and communication between cities and with other peoples.
Architecture
- Maya architecture is characterized by temples, palaces, and plazas.
- Buildings were painted in different colors, including red, green, white, and black.
- The colors were obtained from natural sources, such as insects, plants, and minerals.
Game of Ball
- The Maya played a sacred ball game in special courts.
- The game was played with a rubber ball and required great skill and agility.
- The game was considered sacred, and some believe that the winners were sacrificed.
Abandonment of Cities
- The Maya abandoned their cities for unknown reasons.
- Theories include environmental degradation, epidemics, wars, drought, or lack of water.
Legacy
- The Maya civilization continues to exist, with millions of people identifying as Maya.
- The Maya legacy is rich and diverse, with a strong cultural identity.
- The UNESCO has recognized Chichen Itza as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a cultural heritage site.
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Description
Explore the fascinating Maya civilization, their culture, economy, and achievements in writing, astronomy, and mathematics.
