Research Paper On Mayan Civilization
The Maya civilization was one of the most dominant native societies of Mesoamerica. It is known for its agriculture, pottery, hieroglyph writing, calendar-making and mathematics, and left behind a surprising amount of impressive architecture and symbolic artwork. Geographically, the Mayan civilization covered what are now Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and part of Mexico. The center of the Mayan empire which was located in Guatemala reached its peak of power and influence in the sixth century. In The earliest Maya settlements date to around 1800 B.C. or the beginning of what is called the Formative Period. The Mayan’s were agricultural, growing crops such as corn, beans, squash and cassava. They also specialized in building
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250, the golden age started for the Mayan empire. Classic Maya civilization grew to some 40 cities, each city held a population of between 5,000 and 50,000 people. At its peak, the Maya population may have reached 2,000,000. The Mayan were not only advanced in agriculture, but also significantly advanced in mathematics and astronomy, including the use of the zero and the development of a complex calendar system based on 365 days. Though early researchers concluded that the Maya were a peaceful society of priests and scribes, but in further studies later concluded the harsh and violent the Mayan empire really was, including the war between rival Mayan city-states and the importance of torture and human sacrifice to their religious …show more content…
Traditionally, ancient peoples had flourished in drier climates, where the centralized management of water resources formed the basis of society. Mayan lowlands, however, there were few navigable rivers for trade and transport, as well as no obvious need for an irrigation system. Even though their location didn’t have may raid amounts of gold and silver The Maya took advantage of the area’s many natural resources, including limestone (for construction), the volcanic rock obsidian (for tools and weapons) and salt. The environment also held other treasures for the Maya, including jade, quetzal feathers (used to decorate the costumes of Maya nobility) and marine shells, which were used as trumpets in ceremonies and
250, the golden age started for the Mayan empire. Classic Maya civilization grew to some 40 cities, each city held a population of between 5,000 and 50,000 people. At its peak, the Maya population may have reached 2,000,000. The Mayan were not only advanced in agriculture, but also significantly advanced in mathematics and astronomy, including the use of the zero and the development of a complex calendar system based on 365 days. Though early researchers concluded that the Maya were a peaceful society of priests and scribes, but in further studies later concluded the harsh and violent the Mayan empire really was, including the war between rival Mayan city-states and the importance of torture and human sacrifice to their religious …show more content…
Traditionally, ancient peoples had flourished in drier climates, where the centralized management of water resources formed the basis of society. Mayan lowlands, however, there were few navigable rivers for trade and transport, as well as no obvious need for an irrigation system. Even though their location didn’t have may raid amounts of gold and silver The Maya took advantage of the area’s many natural resources, including limestone (for construction), the volcanic rock obsidian (for tools and weapons) and salt. The environment also held other treasures for the Maya, including jade, quetzal feathers (used to decorate the costumes of Maya nobility) and marine shells, which were used as trumpets in ceremonies and