Course Sample for Medieval to the Renaissance: High School History Homeschool Course

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Week One: Mayan Civilization

Objective: to learn the history, development, and disappearance of the Mayan people

Lesson 1: Overview of Mayan Civilization

The Mayan civilization was part of the Mesoamerica region of the Americas. Mesoamerica is a historical and cultural region that includes central Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica. The Mesoamerica region is one of six areas in the world where ancient civilization rose independently. The Mesoamerica term is used to describe the area prior to the Spanish conquest in the 1500s.

The Mayan Empire was unlike other indigenous populations during this time as they were concentrated in one region and not scattered. This block of territory included all of the Yucatan peninsula, modern-day Guatemala, modern-day Belize, the western part of Honduras and El Salvador, and parts of the Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas. The concentration of the empire helped it remain relatively secure from invasion from other Mesoamerica peoples.

The Mayan civilization was one of the dominant societies in the Mesoamerica region. They developed accurate calendars and made advancements in mathematics and astronomy. They produced great art, sculptures, and architecture. They were among the first people in the western hemisphere to develop an advanced form of written language.

The Mayan history is broken into three periods of time. The Preclassic period covers 2000 BC to AD 250. The Classic period covers AD 250 to AD 900 and is considered the time when the Mayan Empire was at its peak. The Postclassic period covers AD 950 to AD 1539. Each period represents a difference in area, developments, and belief systems for the Mayan people.

Mysteriously, the Mayan civilization collapsed by AD 900. There are several competing theories as to the cause of this collapse. One by one, the strong Classic period cities were abandoned and left to ruin. In the Postclassic period, a few cities in the highlands of the Yucatan flourished.

Activity

Research and discover the area of the Mayan Empire. Shade in the areas on the map that were part of this area. Label the locations of the Mayan cities of Palenque, Chichen Itza, and Tikal. Label each Mayan city with the period of time it existed (Preclassic, Classic, or Postclassic). Label the modern countries of this area.