History

• Homo Sapiens

  Homo Sapiens is the scientific name for the human race.
• History

  The Maya

  Agriculture in the Americas began in around 5000 BC in Mexico.
• The first Americans to develop a high level of culture were the Mayans. 
• History

  Their civilisation was at its peak during 350-800 BC. This is called the Classic Period
• The Maya built over 100 states.
• Mayan civilization

  • Scattered in central America
  • Roads connected the towns
  • Used canoes to trade across the waters
• Mayan trade goods


  • Salt
  • Cotton
  • Cocoa
  • Fish
  • Feathers
  • Shells
  • Precious stones
• Cocoa beans


  Used as currency
• Belize


  Important trading centre
• Mayan political structure

  • No single kings ruled over all states
  • Group of nobles headed by a king who was a priest
• Mayan achievements


  • Studied the stars
  • Invented a calendar
  • Developed writing, sculpture and painting
• Maize/Corn


  Main crop of the Maya
• Importance of maize/corn


  • Important part of their religion and art
  • Each member of a tribe was given a portion of cornland
• Farming methods


  1. Cleared the forest by burning and cutting (Slash and Burn Method)

  2. Ground was broken with digging sticks

  3. Corn seeds were planted
• Harvesting corn


  Farmers had to give a portion to the priests and noblemen as a form of tax
• Other crops grown


  • Beans
  • Squash
  • Pumpkins
  • Chili peppers
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Cassava
  • Papayas (pawpaw)
  • Avocado
  • Cotton
• Other plants grown


  • Provided the Maya with bark, gum wood and fruit for craftsmanship
• Farming tasks


  Whole family helped weed the fields and chase birds
• Houses


  Stone houses with grass thatched roofs, one room and one doorway
• Occasional droughts


  No rain for months, constant fear of drought due to reliance on agriculture
• Rain god Chac


  Worshipped, great festivals held to honour him
• Kings and noblemen


  • Lived in large palaces
  • Dressed in expensive robes covered with feathers and ornaments
  • Wore huge woven feather headdresses set with jade and other semi-precious gems
  • Carried on chairs supported on the shoulders of servants
  • Had servants to cool them with fans and see to their needs
• Clothing of normal men and women


  • Cotton clothes dyed in many colours
  • Cloaks made with birds' feathers