THE MAYA

World Languages
Department

Lake Tahoe
Community College

Intensive Spanish Summer Institute

Maya Blue Painting      

Objectives of the Lesson  

Students will use the Internet to obtain an overview of the following information:

  • Geography of the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America
  • Major Maya cities and history
  • Maya calendar
  • Mayan languages
  • Maya textiles and clothing

Las preguntas  (How to complete this assignment)

Answer the questions below, in English, based on information you gather from the Web sites that are linked in this lesson.  Be sure to answer in your own words, giving as much detail as possible.  This assignment does not need to be in composition format.  It is fine to answer each numbered question with your findings.  Question #9 is very important and should contain some thought-provoking comments related to your opinions and questions about the Maya.  If any of the links are not active, just skip them and move on to the next sections.  

 

Who were/are the Mayas?

There is a plethora of books and publications on the subject.   After completing this lesson, you may want to learn more!  Start planning your next trip. 

The Maya civilization can be classified in three major time periods:

  • PRECLASSIC:  1200 B.C.E. – 250 A.D.
  • CLASSIC:  250-900
  • POSTCLASSIC:  900-1521

Mesoamerica is an area that encompasses most of Mexico, all of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and part of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.  Maya civilization developed over centuries throughout Mesoamerica.  Major Maya sites can be found in southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula; Guatemala (both in the highlands and lowland jungle); and in the north of Honduras and El Salvador. 

The Maya of today still live throughout Mesoamerica.  There are approximately seven and a half million Maya and they can certainly be considered survivors.  Since the arrival/invasion of the Spaniards to the New World in the 16th century, the Mayas have struggled to preserve their culture, language, religion, and heritage. 

Who are the Maya of today?  View some photos of the Maya people.

 

Maps & Overview  

Click on the links below to view some maps of the Maya world and read a overview of the Mayas.

After reviewing the maps and content from the pages above, answer questions 1-5.  
Much of this information is available on the first link above:  Map 1.

  1. Name five Maya cities and give a description of each one.
  2. What did Mayas believe about their creation and why did they call themselves "Children of the Corn?"
  3. What gods did the Mayas worship?  
  4. What is a cenote and why was water important to the Mayas?
  5. What is thought to have happened in 900? Why? Where did they build a new empire and how long did it last?

 

Maya Calendar

A brief description the calendar system used by the Mayas. 

  1. Describe the Maya calendar system.  Name some of the days and months.  What prophecy will be completed in December 2012?

 

Maya or Mayan?   Mayan Languages & Vocabulary

Take a look at some Mayan vocabulary and uses of the languages.

  1. How many different Mayan languages are spoken today?  Name a few. 

 

Maya Textiles
Maya Woman Weaving

 Photo of Colorful Huipiles

The Mayas are known for the variety of textiles used in their clothing.  Visit this site from Arte Maya about textiles. 

  1. What is the typical dress for women and men?  Use the Spanish vocabulary when possible.  Visit some of these links from the Arte Maya site, Maya Textiles.  Then write a short paragraph about the different types of dress and textiles based on what you learned from these pages.
  2. In conclusion, what is your opinion of the Maya culture?  What was the most interesting part of this lesson to you?  Would you like to visit some of the Maya ruins?  Which ones?  Why? 
    This question is should be answered with thought-provoking answers and comments.  Give examples to backup your opinions.    
     

Just for fun!  Test your knowledge.  Take a quiz on the Mayas at National Geographic. 

 

Links to Maya Culture   

 

References

  1. Christenson, Allen J.  Popol Vuh:  The Sacred Book of the the Maya:  The Great Classic of Central American Spirituality, Translated from the Original Maya Text.  University of Oklahoma Press, 2007.
  2. Coe, Michael D.  The Maya.  Norton & Co Inc, 2005.
  3. Domenici, David.  The Maya:  History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization.  White Star Publishers, 2006.
  4. Foster, Lynn V.  Life in the Ancient Maya World.  Oxford University Press, 2002.
  5. Martinez Huchim, Ana Patricia,  Diccionario Maya, español-maya, maya-español.  Merida, Mexico:  Editorial Dante, 2008.
  6. Romero, Paulino.  Maya Calendar.  Merida, Mexico: Editorial Dante, 2003.
  7. Tedlock, Dennis.  Breath on the mirror: mythic voices & visions of the living Maya.  Harper,1993.

 

[Lake Tahoe Community College]  [World Languages Dept.]
Created and maintained by N Barclay     08/29/2010