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.
- Name five Maya cities and give a description of each one.
- What did Mayas believe about their creation and why did they call themselves
"Children of the Corn?"
- What gods did the Mayas worship?
- What is a cenote and why was water important to the Mayas?
- 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.
- 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.
- How many different Mayan languages are spoken today? Name a
few.
Maya
Textiles
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The Mayas are known for the variety of textiles used in their clothing. Visit this
site from Arte Maya about textiles.
- 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.
- 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.
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MYSTERIES OF THE MAYA, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC |
Cities of the Maya |
|
Maya
Archaeology |
Lost King of the Maya |
|
Map of Maya World |
Maya Adventure |
|
Tour
of Tikal |
Maya
Culture |
|
Maya
Ruins |
Interactive Map of Sites |
|
Mundo
Maya |
Online Bibliography of Resources |
|
The Maya, by David Coe |
Handbook to Life in the Ancient Maya World,
by Linda Foster |
|
Maya Vase Data Base, Kerr Collections |
Map of Maya Area, FAMSI |
|
Welcome to
Chichén Itzá |
Mayan Languages,
Wikipedia |
|
Popol Vuh, text
translated into English, University of Texas |
Popol Vuh |
|
Map,
Maya World |
Map,
América Central |
|
The Maya Today |
Weaving and Textiles, Chiapas |
References
- 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.
- Coe,
Michael D. The Maya. Norton & Co Inc, 2005.
- Domenici, David.
The Maya:
History and Treasures of an Ancient Civilization. White
Star Publishers, 2006.
- Foster,
Lynn V. Life in the Ancient Maya World. Oxford University
Press, 2002.
-
Martinez Huchim, Ana Patricia, Diccionario Maya,
español-maya, maya-español.
Merida, Mexico: Editorial Dante, 2008.
- Romero, Paulino.
Maya
Calendar. Merida, Mexico:
Editorial
Dante, 2003.
- Tedlock,
Dennis.
Breath on the mirror: mythic voices & visions of the living Maya.
Harper,1993.
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