Final answer:
The Maya civilization's ancestors originated in Mesoamerica, migrating to Central America due to agricultural expansion. The Maya were known for their structured society, cultural achievements, and vast trade networks. They built iconic cities and temples while their civilization thrived between 250 and 900 CE.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origins and Settlement of the Maya Civilization
The ancestors of the Maya civilization are thought to have originated in the regions of Mesoamerica. The Proto-Mayan people are believed to have migrated from this area into what is now known as Central America. The Mayans were agriculturalists and over time, due to population growth, they expanded northwards, evolving into skilled traders and engineers. Their society witnessed a golden age between 250 and 900 CE when they dominated regions including today's Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize. The civilization's expansion and settlement were largely influenced by their agriculture, trade, and the development of their iconic cities characterized by towering temples and grand stone structures which attract tourists today.
Societal Organization of the Maya
The Mayan society was highly structured, with a rigid class system at its core. It was led by kings and an aristocracy, which reinforced their status through elaborate rituals, human sacrifices, and blood-letting ceremonies. These acts were seen as essential for maintaining order, appeasing the gods, and ensuring agricultural prosperity. The Maya are also known for their significant cultural achievements including the development of a complex written script combining pictographic and alphabetic elements, advanced architecture exemplified by their flat-top pyramids, a sophisticated mathematical system using base-20, and an accurate calendar system surpassing many contemporary civilizations.
Trade and Cultural Exchange
The Mayan people were also adept business individuals, with a flourishing long-distance trade network. They exchanged goods such as gold, turquoise, obsidian, and everyday items like salt. Mayan cities like Copan, Tikal, and Chichen Itza became powerful through control of these trade routes, enabling a robust economy, and the spread of cultural and architectural influences throughout Mesoamerica.