The Olmec and the Maya Chapter 6 - Lesson 2
Why is the Olmec culture called a mother civilization? All the Mesoamerican civilizations that followed were influenced by the Olmec.
Why were cenotes important to the Maya? They were considered sacred because the Maya relied on them as a source of water.
How were the Olmec and Mayan civilizations organized? Olmec: social classes based on wealth and power Both Olmec and Maya: lived in theocracies in which the leader and the ruling classes were believed to represent the will of the gods.
Why were farmers the lowest social class of the Olmec? They probably had the least amount of wealth and therefore had little power.
What role did roads play in the development of the Olmec civilization? Roads enabled the Olmec to travel to various Olmec communities and trade with villages of other people
How did the Olmec people provided for their needs? agriculture trade
Summary A Mother Civilization The first great civilization of Mesoamerica was the Olmec, believed to have directly influenced all Mesoamerican civilizations that followed.
What were the differences among the social classes in Olmec civilization? People in different social classes had different jobs, different amounts of wealth, and different amounts of power.
What was the social order? Priests and government officials made up the most powerful class Merchants and craftspeople followed Farmers were the lowest class
Based on the sculpture, what conclusion can you draw about the Olmec people? They worked hard and in great numbers to make such large sculptures. They had enormous respect for their gods or rulers.
Why do you think the Olmec were familiar with jaguars, eagles, snakes, and sharks? These animals were native to the part of Mesoamerica where the Olmec people lived.
What did the Olmec develop that would be used by later Mesoamerican civilizations? a number system a calendar a form of writing
Summary Olmec Accomplishments Most famous for their giant sculptures, the Olmec also developed a number system, a calendar, and a form of writing.
The city of Tikal is located in what present-day country? Guatemala
Did the Olmec or the Mayan civilization cover more land area? Mayan
How did the Maya bring water to places that needed it? They built reservoirs and aqueducts.
Why were so many artifacts found at the bottom of the cenotes? Mayan priests would bring valuables to the cenotes as sacrifices to the gods.
What were some of the natural resources available to Mayan culture? gold wood rubber copper jade
When did Mayan culture flourish? From A.D. 250 to about A.D. 900.
Summary The Maya Mayan civilization was complex yet similar to the Olmec civilization in many ways. It was a theocracy, the people grew crops, and they had a writing system.
What does the Popol Vuh tell the reader about the Maya? How the Maya believed the world was created.
How are the ways that the Maya used calendars similar to us? The Maya used calendars to keep track of important dates, just as we do.
Why is it surprising that the Maya were able to keep such accurate records of the length of the year and the movements of the moon and planets? The Maya did not have telescopes yet they were able to divide the year into 365 days based on Earth s orbit. Europeans were not able to determine this until hundreds of years later.
What was the purpose of the protective layer on the Codex Tro-Cortesianus? To keep ink from smudging or to keep the codex safe and clean.
Summary Time and Numbers The Maya used their mathematical skills to develop several different calendars.
What contributions did the Maya make to mathematics? They created a unique counting system based on the unit of 20. They are also believed to have been the first people in the world to use the idea of zero in calculations.
Why were the Maya so interested in telling time? They used information about time in their everyday lives and for religious customs.
How did the Maya adapt to their environment? They built houses using available materials - mud, palm leaves, and grass.
How were daily chores divided among members of Mayan families? Men Woman and older girls Young children farmed hunted fished made clothes supplied water and firewood cared for small children did housekeeping chores learned about farming and chores; but spent much of their time playing
Summary Daily Life The Maya people lived in adobe homes with simple furniture. Their civilization disappeared mysteriously, but their descendants still live in Mexico and Guatemala.