Maya

maize

also known as corn

priests

Only ones who could read the Mayan calendar, predict the future, and map the stars

Mesoamerica

"middle America" the region extending from modern day Mexico through Central America

glyph or hieroglyphic

writing that uses pictures as symbols

social status

a social structure with layers representing social classes of different rank or status

ritual

a set of actions that is always performed the same way as part of a religious ceremony

tropical wet/dry

The climate in the Yucatan Peninsula

sacrifice

Performed in order to bring balance and order to the universe; a gift of an animal for slaughter as a way to honor gods

pok-a-tok

a Mayan ball game that had religious significance

slash-and-burn agriculture

a farming technique in which vegetation is cut away and burned to clear land for growing crops

peasant class

In Mayan social structure this group had the largest number of people-Responsible for building temples, farming, cooking food, and weaving.

Makes up Mayan Culture

Religion, calendar, language, and social system

Life of Peasants

Very hard life

Occupation of most Mayan Peasants

Farmers and food preparation

Yucatan peninsula

Where Mayan city states were located

Ruler

The top of the Maya social pyramid. He was responsible for deciding with whom and when to go to war.

Trade

The Maya did not use money, instead they traded items like feathers, cacao beans, and obsidian

Crops

The Maya grew foods like maize, beans, squash, chili peppers to support their population

Mayan Government

Was divided into separate city-states and NOT one unified government.

Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua

These modern-day countries are located where the Maya civilization once stood

Artisans

Craftsman who created works of art and products that usually honored the gods

Responsibility of Mayan women

Preparing the foods like tortillas and tamales, weaving clothing, and tending the home

Chichen Itza

found in modern day Mexico

Responsibilities of Mayan men

Farming, harvesting crops, building temples