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Exploring Ancient Civilizations: The Olmec and Maya

Delve into the fascinating worlds of the Olmec and Maya civilizations, two of Mesoamerica's most influential cultures. Discover the unique features of each society, from the Olmec's early cities like San Lorenzo, known for their pyramid-like structures and ceremonial mounds, to the Maya's sophisticated writing system and advanced calendar. Learn about their religious practices centered around jaguar gods, trade networks, and governmental hierarchies. Engage with their cultural contributions, including art, ballgames, and leisure activities that shaped their rich legacies.

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Exploring Ancient Civilizations: The Olmec and Maya

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  1. Ancient Civilizations The Olmec & The Maya

  2. The Olmec

  3. What’s Different? Olmec Mayan

  4. Physical Environment • Oldest city—San Lorenzo • Present day Mexico • Located near a river

  5. Architecture • Pyramid like Buildings • First to build 2 story houses • Made houses out of clay • Cities were centered around a grand ceremonial mound

  6. Language • Mixe–Zoquean (spoken) • May have been first to develop writing system • Used symbols

  7. Scientific Knowledge • Writing system • Long count calendar system • Concept of Zero • Ballgame

  8. Leisure Activities • “Mesoamerican Ballgame”

  9. Religious Activities • Religious activities were performed by Shamans • Beliefs centered upon a jaguar God • Bloodletting ceremonies

  10. Governing Structure • Hierchial • Rulers

  11. Economic Activities • Trade Systems

  12. The Mayan

  13. Physical Environment • Present day southern Mexico, Guatemala, northern Belize

  14. Architecture • Stepped pyramids • Plazas • Acropolis • Ball sites • Cave sites • Observatories

  15. Language • Fully Developed written system

  16. Scientific Knowledge • Writing • Hieroglyphs • Counting system • Mathematical

  17. Leisure Activities • Art • Ballgames • Music

  18. Religious Beliefs • Rituals • Ceremonies • Human sacrifice • Maize God • Based on celestial cycles

  19. Governing Structure • Polity—headed by a hereditary ruler

  20. Economic Activity • Trade system

  21. The Mound builders Adena, Hopewell, Mississippian

  22. Physical Environment • From Great Lakes to Gulf of Mexico & the Mississippi to the Appalachian Mountains

  23. Architecture • Built Mounds for religious, ceremonial & burial purposes • Flat-topped pyramids

  24. Language • Petroglyphs • No writing system

  25. Scientific Knowledge • Cultivation of corns, beans & squash • Made tools & weapons

  26. Leisure Activities • Pottery • Wove baskets • Carved canoes • Sewing

  27. Religious Beliefs • Animal spirits • Weather spirits • Ancestor Spirits

  28. Governing Structure • Elite class-ruling class • Common class-Food producers/labor force

  29. Economic Activity • Trade

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