Final answer:
The Mayan civilization expanded by mastering agriculture, creating reliable food supplies, and using materials from the forest to build their cities. Advanced agricultural methods like terracing and raised fields supported population growth and the development of dense, interconnected city-states.
Step-by-step explanation:
Settling in forests greatly contributed to the expansion of the Mayan civilization. The creation of a reliable food supply was essential for the development of complex societies, and the Maya were no exception. They utilized techniques such as raised irrigated fields, terraced hillsides, and even aquaculture to enhance soil fertility and support a growing population. This agricultural innovation supported the expansion of Mayan cities, such as Chichén Itzá, and enabled the Maya to erect large temples and central plazas, becoming a cultural and trading hub. Additionally, the use of laser technology in recent surveys has revealed a more connected and densely populated Mayan region than previously thought, demonstrating the extent of their growth.
As they moved into the forests, the Maya benefited from the abundant materials, which were essential for creating their impressive stone tools and public buildings. Mayan cities, developed amidst the dense rainforest, took on a unique urban form, resembling 'sprawling gardens' that housed large pyramids, administrative buildings, plazas, and residential areas. By mastering agriculture and utilizing the diverse resources of the forest, the Maya established the groundwork for a prosperous and expanding civilization.