Maya Civilization: Key Concepts and Challenges

The video explores the Maya civilization, covering its rise, achievements, and eventual decline. It discusses the social structure, family life, religious beliefs, and agricultural techniques of the Maya. The civilization thrived between 2000 BCE and 1500 CE, with significant achievements during the Classic period. The Maya developed a complex society with a social pyramid, practiced polytheistic religion, and used advanced farming techniques to sustain their population. Despite their decline, Maya culture continues to influence the region today.

What is the guiding question of the lesson on the Maya civilization?

• How did the Maya influence modern society?

• What were the main achievements of the Maya?

• How did the Maya civilization rise, flourish, and fall?

• What were the religious practices of the Maya?

During which period did the Maya civilization reach its peak?

• Modern

• Pre-classic

• Classic

• Postclassic

Who was at the top of the Maya social pyramid?

• Ruler

• Priests

• Nobles

• Peasants

What role did priests play in Maya society?

• They were the main farmers.

• They led rituals and sacrifices.

• They built the pyramids.

• They were responsible for trade.

What was the primary focus of Maya religious beliefs?

• Monotheism

• Polytheism

• Animism

• Atheism

What was the purpose of the sacred calendar in Maya society?

• To track the seasons

• To determine the best days for various activities

• To record historical events

• To predict the weather

Which agricultural technique did the Maya use in the mountainous highlands?

• Crop rotation

• Irrigation

• Terracing

• Slash and burn

What was one of the main challenges the Maya faced in agriculture?

• Lack of sunlight

• Frequent droughts

• Dense forests and poor soil

• Too much rainfall

What is one theory for the decline of the Maya civilization?

• Lack of resources

• Invasion by Europeans

• Natural disasters

• Overpopulation

Where do many descendants of the Maya live today?

• Northern Mexico

• The Caribbean

• Southern Mexico and Central America

• South America