Olmec & Mayan

Olmec & Mayan Civilizations

Aim: How were the Olmec & Mayan Civilizations similar?

Do Now: American Civilization Timeline

Mesoamerica

Background

The Mesoamerican civilizations consist of four main cultures, Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Inca. Each civilization experienced a time of cultural and intellectual achievement that produced lasting contributions in art, literature, and science.

Olmecs

The Olmec Empire (1400 BCE - 500 BCE) was the first major Mesoamerican civilization. The Olmecs inhabited the Gulf coast of Mexico, and produced a number of achievements that would influence the later cultures. Among these, are ceremonial pyramid shaped temples, a system of writing, and a devotion to religion that would define later Mesoamerican civilizations.

Maya

The Mayan Civilization (300 - 900 CE) lived in various city-states along the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and in much of Central America. The Mayans built an impressive agricultural society which contributed greatly to the cultural and intellectual life of Mesoamerica.

Art & Architecture

Mayan architects built large, elaborate palaces and pyramid shaped temples. These buildings were decorated with a variety of paintings, and carvings in wood and stone that depicted Mayan history. Mayan step pyramids were the tallest man-made structures in the Americas until 1903.

Agriculture

Mayan farmers developed irrigation systems that allowed them to produce the amount of food necessary to support their large population. They also increased their amount of arable land by clearing large tracts of rainforest. Mayan farmers produced crops such as, corn, beans, and squash. Trade in agriculture products was the basis for the strong Mayan economy. Products such as feathers, honey, and cocoa were traded across Central America.

Education & Science

Mayan civilization developed a writing system using hieroglyphics, that has only recently been deciphered. They also produced books made from bark, of which few still exist. Mayan scientists developed a fairly accurate 365 day a year calendar. They also used an advanced numbering system that included the concept of zero.

Classwork & Homework

Lesson PowerPoint: The Olmec & Mayan Civilizations

Lesson Video:

• Mayan Calendar
• Temple of the Serpent

Classwork Activity: Mayan Worksheet

Homework: Homework Packet #7 - Due Thurs 2/10