成人快手

Watch: What was the Maya civilisation?

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The ancient Maya

Cartoon of Maya people outside a Maya temple.

The Maya people are remembered for amazing creations and ideas. Some of these include:

  • the idea of鈥'zero'
  • detailed calendars used in farming
  • objects made from jade (a rare and valuable material)
  • spectacular buildings

In the 19th century Maya cities, statues and artefacts were uncovered, preserved and collected.

Cartoon of Maya people outside a Maya temple.
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Where did the Maya live?

  • The Maya civilisation began a long ago in a place called Mesoamerica.
  • This huge area is made up of Mexico and part of Central America.
Map of important cities in Maya civilisation.
Image caption,
Important cities in Maya civilisation were Palenque, Calakmul, Tikal, Cop谩n, Cob谩 and Chichen Itza.
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When did Maya civilisation exist?

  • The Maya first developed their civilisation in around 2000 BC.

  • In around 1600 AD the Maya were conquered and destroyed by the Spanish invaders.

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What did Maya society look like?

A Maya city built below stars
  • Maya society was very complex.

  • There were hundreds of cities.

  • Different classes including: commoners, a middle class, nobles and the king and his royal court.

  • The Maya built amazing cities like鈥Tikal鈥(which they called Yax Mutal) and鈥Palenque.

  • Maya people lived in different cities and they were ruled by different kings and queens. However, they shared a lot of the same beliefs and traditions.

  • Going to war and buying and selling things were important parts of Maya society. Art and architecture were important too.

A Maya city built below stars

Have a look around the ruins of Tikal

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 9, Jade Skirt inviting you to take a tour of the Ancient city of Tikal., Follow Jade Skirt as she shows you some of the interesting things that you can still find in Tikal.
A cartoon of Maya forest.
  • They were experts at reading the stars.
  • They were also inspired by the creatures of the forest and shared many legends about animals, plants and nature spirits.
  • The Maya came up with the most well-developed system of writing in Mesoamerica, dating back to 300 BC.
  • Almost all written texts were destroyed during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century AD.
A cartoon of Maya forest.
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Activities

Activity 1: Can you find the Maya on a map?

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Activity 2: Quiz 鈥 Maya life

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Activity 3: History Explorer game

Play this game to test your knowledge and learn even more facts about the ancient Maya.

History Explorer: Secrets through time

History Explorer: Secrets through time: KS2 History

History Explorer: Secrets through time
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Bitesize Primary games. game

Play fun and educational primary games in science, maths, English, history, geography, art, computing and modern languages.

Bitesize Primary games
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