Introduction to the Maya Civilization

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.