Untitled Flashcards Set

From what did Maya kings draw their power?

Maya kings drew their power from a combination of divine authority, military strength, and the support of the elite class.

How do we know so much about the Classic Maya?

Knowledge about the Classic Maya is derived from archaeological findings, inscriptions, codices, and oral histories passed down through generations.

How did the solar calendar work for the Maya?

The solar calendar was based on the 365-day year, comprised of 18 months of 20 days each, plus a short month of 5 nameless days believed to be unlucky.

What is the cyclical long count calendar?

The long count calendar records time in cycles of various lengths, allowing the Maya to track long periods, with each cycle contributing to their cyclical view of time.

Why were there 5 nameless or unlucky days in the Maya calendar?

These 5 days were considered inauspicious and were not assigned names, reflecting a belief in their potential negative influence.

How did the Maya view their relationship to their deities?

The Maya viewed their relationship with deities as reciprocal, where human offerings and rituals were essential to maintain cosmic balance.

What symbols of power represented the ascension of a new Ajaw?

Symbols included royal regalia, specific attire, and rituals involving bloodletters and other ceremonial objects.

What was the process of blood sacrifice?

Blood sacrifice involved the ritualistic offering of a person's blood, usually performed by priests, to communicate with the gods and ensure prosperity.

What were some key agricultural goods grown by the Maya?

The Maya cultivated maize, beans, squash, cacao, and cotton as key agricultural goods.

What luxury goods did the Maya produce?

Luxury goods included jade, obsidian, textiles, and cacao, which played vital roles in trade and regional status.

What systems of water management did the Maya use?

Maya water management systems included reservoirs, canals, and terracing to efficiently utilize rainfall for agriculture.

How were monumental buildings of the Maya decorated?

Buildings were often finished with plaster, painted vividly, and adorned with carvings, reflecting both aesthetics and cultural significance.

Why was the region of Petén central to Maya polities?

Petén was a rich agricultural area with abundant resources and served as a political and cultural hub for regional powers.

How was conflict manifested between regional polities in the classic Maya?

Conflict often took the form of warfare, alliances, and competition for resources and trade routes among various city-states.

What are the major cycles of hierarchy and political organization among the Maya?

Cycles included the rise and fall of dynasties, central authority, and local governance within stratified society.

How do dynasties come to exist in human societies?

Dynasties arise through hereditary succession, alliances, and consolidation of power, often legitimized by religious or cultural beliefs.

What kind of accolades would an Ajaw accumulate?

An Ajaw would accumulate accolades such as military victories, divine favor, and successful rituals, enhancing their prestige and authority.

What evidence do we have for stratification in non-elite Maya society?

Evidence includes variations in burial goods, housing sizes, and artifacts indicating differing social roles within the non-elite population.

What are some hypotheses for the collapse of the Maya at the end of the Classic?

Hypotheses include environmental degradation, climate change, resource depletion, warfare, and social upheaval.

How long did it take the Spanish to defeat the Maya stronghold in the late post-classic?

It took the Spanish several decades, with significant resistance until the last stronghold fell in the late 17th century.

What does 'Maya collapse' at the end of the Classic period mean?

It refers to the decline of major city-states, population decrease, and cultural changes as the Maya transitioned to a decentralized Postclassic period.

What strategies did the Spanish use to overcome Maya societies?

Strategies included military conquest, exploitation of existing rivalries among Maya polities, and conversion efforts through missionary work.