Question

The Maya civilization was located in modern day Guatemala along the Pacific Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya civilization was actually protected by the physical geography of the area. Part of the civilization in Guatemala was located in a highland region. Part of the civilization was along the coast protected by the Pacific Ocean and the rest was deep in the rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula. These natural barriers helped to protect the Maya civilization for 1,300 years. The Maya used stone, bone, and wood tools to build their cities. They studied art, mathematics, architecture, drama, medicine, and music. Each city had a palace for the ruler, a marketplace, and one or more pyramids. The Maya worshipped the gods of nature. They believed in Gods of Rain, Maize, and Sun. They believed that these gods were in control of crops which meant they were in control of the food for the people. The most powerful people in the Maya civilization were priests and political leaders. The Maya believed that their priests could talk to the gods. The priests held ceremonies to keep demons inside the underworld. During these ceremonies, priests wore masks and costumes.

1. With regard to the Five Themes of Geography, what was the location of the Maya civilization? What are some of the physical characteristics of the place? How do people interact with the environment in this place?

2. What form of government do you think was in place in the Maya civilization? Explain why you think this.

3. With regard to economics, did the Mayans have natural resources? Did they trade with other countries?

Answer 1

The location of the Maya civilization was in Central America, mostly in Guatemala and little in the southernmost parts of Mexico. The place were the Maya civilization developed was a highland that was covered with dense vegetation, having tropical climate, as well as access to the sea. The people had a deep respect for their environment, and one of the biggest reasons for that was that they believed that lot of things in nature are actually connected with the Gods.

The government of the Maya was led by a single ruler that had the highest authority in the society, and as a secondary ruling class with high authority were the priests.

Most of the Maya economy depended on the natural resources, mostly the fertile soil, water, and timber, all of which were abundant. The Maya civilization had developed trade with most of the neighboring civilizations in the region, which also led to the spread of their culture.