Mayan civilization

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/mayan-civilization

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the geographical extent?Mesoamerica, encompassing parts of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador
2. What is the major urban centers?Prominent cities include Tikal, Palenque, Copán, Calakmul, and Chichen Itza
3. What were the Maya famous for building?They built giant pyramids, palaces, observatories, and ballcourts from limestone without metal tools or a wheel.
4. How did the Maya keep track of time?They used three calendars: the Long Count, the 260‑day Tzolk'in, and the 365‑day Haab', and could predict eclipses.

Vigesimal System: A number system based on the number 20, utilizing digits from 0 to 19.
Hieroglyphic Script: A complex writing system employing pictorial symbols that represent words, syllables, or sounds.
Mesoamerican Ballgame: A ritualistic sport played with a solid rubber ball, often with significant religious and political implications.