Who Were the Maya?
The ancient Maya were a powerful civilization that lived in Central America. They built great cities and had an advanced culture. The Maya lived in what is now southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador.
The Maya civilization began more than 3,000 years ago and reached its peak between AD 250 and 900.
Mayan Cities and Pyramids
The Maya built amazing cities with large stone pyramids, palaces, and temples. Some famous cities include Tikal, Copán, and Chichén Itzá.
In the center of each city was a great plaza for ceremonies. The Maya used huge stone blocks to build their pyramids. Many of these structures still stand today.
Writing and Calendar
The Maya developed one of the most advanced writing systems in the ancient world. They used symbols called glyphs to write about kings, battles, and important events.
They also created a very accurate calendar. The Mayan calendar could predict eclipses and the movement of the planets. It amazed modern scientists!
Mayan Culture
The Maya were skilled farmers. They grew corn (maize), beans, squash, and cacao (used to make chocolate).
Religion was very important. The Maya believed in many gods and held ceremonies to honor them. They also played a ball game called pok-ta-pok, which was both a sport and a religious ritual.
What Happened to the Maya?
Around AD 900, many Maya cities were abandoned. Historians still debate why — it may have been because of war, drought, or crop failure. However, the Maya people did not disappear. Millions of Maya descendants still live in Central America today, keeping their traditions and language alive.
Why Is the Maya Civilization Important?
The Maya made great contributions to science, math, astronomy, and art. Their pyramids, writing, and calendar still inspire people today. Studying the Maya helps us understand human history and how ancient civilizations lived.
[ Key Vocabulary ]
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Civilization | A complex human society with cities and culture |
| Glyph | A picture symbol used in Mayan writing |
| Calendar | A system to measure and organize time |
| Temple | A building used for religious ceremonies |
| Pyramid | A large structure with a square base and triangular sides |
| Ceremony | A special event to honor gods or people |
| Descendant | A person related to people from the past |
[ Review Questions ]
1️⃣ Where did the ancient Maya live?
2️⃣ What are some famous Mayan cities?
3️⃣ What is a glyph?
4️⃣ What crops did the Maya grow?
5️⃣ Why is the Mayan civilization important today?
