6 Questions
What was a defining feature of a Mayan city-state?
Shared religion
Which crops did the Mayas commonly grow?
Corn, beans, and squash
What was the Mayan farming technique that involved setting trees on fire before planting crops?
Slash-and-burn farming
How did Mayan city-states typically construct their buildings?
Constructing them from stones
What was a common practice among different Mayan city-states?
Trading with each other
In what region did the Mayans primarily reside during their heyday?
Central America
Study Notes
The Mayan Civilization
- The Mayans had a rich culture and controlled a large part of Central America, including present-day Belize, Guatemala, and a portion of Mexico.
- The Mayans began to move into Central America around 1500 B.C. and initially had small villages, which eventually developed into big cities.
Mayan City-States
- A Mayan city was like a small kingdom, known as a city-state, with its own rulers.
- Every Mayan city-state shared the same religion, written language, calendars, and city design.
- A typical Mayan city-state would have at least one plaza, one temple, and one ball court.
- Most buildings were made out of stones, and some resembled pyramids.
Economy and Agriculture
- Trade occurred between different Mayan city-states, but farming was their main activity.
- The Mayans grew crops like corn, beans, and squash, and used a farming technique called "slash-and-burn".
- The "slash-and-burn" method involved cutting down trees, setting them on fire, and then planting crops, without digging canals for irrigation, relying on natural processes instead.
Test your knowledge about the history and culture of the ancient Mayan civilization. Learn about their cities, rulers, and territories in Central America.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
