Mayan Religion & Beliefs

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Who were the Mayans?

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A Mesoamerican civilization occupying territory in what is now southern Mexico and Guatemala.

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What were the Mayans known for? Options: Inventing chocolate, weaving, spices, herbs, and maps; Agriculture, pyramid temples, pottery, hieroglyphic writing, calendar-making, mathematics, human sacrifice; Spreading Christian religion and beliefs; Modern science, philosophy, democratic principles

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Agriculture, pyramid temples, pottery, hieroglyphic writing, calendar-making, mathematics, human sacrifice

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What is the Popul Vuh?

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An ancient Mayan document providing an invaluable source knowledge of ancient Mayan mythology and culture. most important book to the maya.

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According to Mayan belief, why were humans created? Options: As an experiment to see what life as a mortal would be like, To honor the Gods, To farm and hunt and make a living, To live in peace and co-exist with nature and animals

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To honor the Gods

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What is special about how the Mayans perceived the world and their spirituality?

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They believed that all things, animate or inanimate, were imbued with an unseen power.

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How did the Mayans perceive time?

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Time was cyclical

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Who were Itzam Ná & Ix Chebel Yax?

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Mayan gods that were high in the hierarchy of Gods

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Human sacrifice:

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Involved bloodletting, Was important to appease the Gods and vital to ensure a military victory, Happened when a king or queen would ascend to the throne and a political prisoner had been captured.

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Forms of worship in Mayan society included: Abstaining from meat, Fasting, Praying and burning incense, Offerings of flowers and fragrant herbs, Exercise such as running, yoga, and cycling, Planting trees, flowers, and vegetables, Celebrating with families and friends as well as enemies

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Abstaining from meat, Fasting, Praying and burning incense, Offerings of flowers and fragrant herbs

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The mayan believed in many god, making them ___________

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polytheistic