Answer:
Rain forest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mayan built their civilization near the Rain forests because of the benefits that they provided.
First, it provided natural resources that they can use to fulfill their basic needs (such as fruits, crops, wide variety of animals, and water sources.). They can also use these resources as trading material with another empire.
On top of that, the rain forest also served as a natural defense for them. Attackers that were not familiar with the forest will be surprised and the amount of places that Mayan soldiers can use as cover and launched surprise attacks.