1. Define Mayan terms such as Metate, Pok-a-Tok, Tortillas. 2. Describe the religious practices of the Mayan people. 3. Describe the social activities

What were the major gods of the Maya religion?

The major gods included Yum Kaax (god of corn), Chac (god of rain), Pipil (god of sun), and Kunab Ku (Supreme creator).

What was a key belief about the existence of gods in Mayan religion?

They believed some gods lived in the underworld, some walked the earth, and others ruled the sky and heavens.

How many gods did the Mayans believe in?

The Mayans believed in as many as 166 gods.

What was the significance of blood sacrifice in Mayan religious practices?

Blood sacrifice was considered the most valuable offering, especially that of a throbbing human heart.

What was believed to happen to those who lived a good life according to Mayan beliefs?

They were rewarded in the afterlife, often going to heaven.

What were the houses of the poorer class in Mayan society made from?

Houses for the poorer class were made of wattle.

What type of apparel was common for sleeping in Mayan homes?

Sleeping racks made from saplings laced with springy branches and covered with grass mattresses and cotton blankets.

What role did women play in Mayan society?

Women were considered inferior, unable to inherit property, and primarily lived as child bearers and homemakers.

What was the punishment for a thief in Mayan society?

A thief was punished by having to work off the value of the theft.

What was the social hierarchy in Mayan society?

The society was organized into rigid class lines: royal family, nobles, scribes, priests, merchants, farmers, craftsmen, and slaves.

What recreational activity were men allowed to participate in but women were not?

Men were allowed to participate in bow and arrow contests.

What was one unique aspect of Mayan women's roles at social functions?

Mayan women were not allowed to drink at functions and were responsible for taking their drunken husbands home.

What grains were commonly processed by Mayan women?

Corn was ground on a metate and made into flat cakes called tortillas.

What was the main purpose of incense in Mayan religious practices?

Incense was used in the process of communicating with the gods.

What were the common occupations in Mayan society?

Common occupations included engineers, architects, priests, teachers, mathematicians, astronomers, scribes, merchants, and craftsmen.

What event did the Mayans celebrate in honor of their gods?

They held birthday festivals and celebrations in honor of the gods.