Mayans

• Where did the Mayans settle initially?

  In the Guatemalan highlands
• What method did the Mayans use for agriculture due to their forest-covered land?

  They used the slash and burn method
• What type of religion did the Mayans practice?

  Polytheistic
• Who was considered the supreme god by the Mayans?

  Itzamna (Lizard House)
• What rituals did the Mayans perform to please their gods?

  Human sacrifice, ball games, and bloodletting
• What belief system did the Mayans adhere to regarding the soul of inanimate objects?

  Animism
• What is the name of the Mayan sacred book?

  Papul Vuh
• What significant achievements did the Mayans accomplish in astronomy?

  They were the first civilization to use astronomy and calendars
• What types of buildings did the Mayans construct?

  Stone buildings, pyramid temples, and houses of adobe and thatch
• What was unique about the Mayans compared to other Mesoamerican peoples regarding language?

  They devised a complete written language
• What dual role did the leaders of the Mayans hold?

  They were both kings and priests
• How were Mayan leaders perceived by their people?

  They were worshipped as deities
• What was the primary currency used by the Mayans?

  Cacao
• What was the economic dependency of the Mayans?

  Heavily dependent on trading corn, jewelry, etc.
• What items did the Mayans exchange in trade?

  Jade, cacao, and obsidian
• What were the social classes in Mayan society?

  • Nobles
  • Priests
  • Merchants
  • Commoners
  • Slaves