Final answer:
The three periods of Mayan civilization were the Early and Middle Pre-Classic Mayan period, the Classic Period, and the Post-Classic Period. Each period had unique characteristics such as agricultural practices, trade, intricate governance systems, sophisticated art forms, and the influence of foreign powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three periods of Mayan civilization are the Early and Middle Pre-Classic Mayan period (2000 BCE - 400 BCE), the Classic Period (250 CE - 900 CE), and the Post-Classic Period (900 CE - 1539 CE). Each period had unique characteristics:
- Early and Middle Pre-Classic Mayan period: During this period, the Maya were agriculturalists and traders, known for their engineering and building of temples. They had a complex society ruled by chiefs and their culture was centered around rituals and feasts.
- Classic Period: This was the period of Maya greatness, with urbanization expanding and many city-states emerging. Each city-state had its own ruler and they waged wars with one another. They had sophisticated art forms and built temples, sculptured stone, wood, and ceramics.
- Post-Classic Period: This period saw the decline of many Maya city-states and the rise of new ones. It was marked by the influence of foreign powers, such as the Toltecs and later the Spanish conquistadors.