Ancient Maya
The lost civilization
By Georgia
There were many Mayan cities, the majority of which settled on sites near Central America in wooden huts. They used local flint and obsidian from the Mexican highlands to make tools and began trading goods and ideas with larger cities of the nearby Olmec people.
As to their initial origins - they appear to be farmers of the forests who began to live in small dwellings that later became cities.
Major cities had a population of 100,000 people living in them at the peak of the Classic period.
The total population of the Mayan during this period was in the several millions.
There appeared to be a distinctive rulling system in the Mayan civilization. The Royal family of each city was of highest ruling and governed it's inhabitants. They would rule their cities from palaces that were situated within the centre of their city.
The cities would be located in places that controlled trade routes or were abundant with trading items.
Laws and decisions were often made by the Royal family, although they may consult with nobles and chiefs. The class hierarchy was, in order: Royals, nobles, chiefs, warriors, priests, craftsmen, merchants, peasants and labourers. This system is believed to respect and enhance royal lines.
Mayans that broke the law were taken before the city priest to acknowledge their crime. If found to be guilty, they would then be punished and killed by order of the priest and the chiefs. The Royal family set the laws and rules, but did not judge guilt of crimes.
Mayan families always lived in the same house. Parents, children and grandparents were expected to contribute with day to day household duties.
Men and older boys performed most of the farmwork such as clearing, weeding fields and planting crops. They also fished and hunted for food for the family to eat and trade.
Women and older girls made their families clothes, prepared meals, supervised the younger children and suplied the house with firewood and water.
There were no schools in Ancient Mayan so children learnt skills and facts by observing adults and elders.
Maya rulers were thought to be regarded as demi gods. They would often perform personal blood-letting rituals to communicate with spirits.
As with any society with large population numbers, the Maya were involved with inter-city warfare, trying to control trade routes and hence wealth. A result from this is that many minor cities broke away from their overlords.
A major well know Mayan city is that of Tikal. Within it's central district, archaelogists discovered more than 3 000 separate buildings, and another 10 000 hidden beneath them. (The Tikal did not demolish existing buildings - but just added a new layer on top and around the older building.
The ancient Mayans mainly played one religious sport called Pok-a-tok. Two teams consisted of two players each and they were all heavly bandaged to prevent injury. They had to bounce a solid rubber ball with only their hips and elbows in a capitol I shaped court.
Two stone rings were mounted on each end of the court and the first team to hit the ball through the ring would win. The loosing team would then have to sacrifice their life to the gods. However, in some important games the winners would have the honour of sacrificing their own lives.
Family and Social Life
Celebrations and ceremonies occured very often within the Myan lifestyle. These important events were engraved on stone monuments for record keeping. The death of a loved one was especially significant.
Important ceremonies such as the celebrations of Kings and Gods had sacred music, special dances and special costumes. Musicians would play wooden trumpets and drums whilst dancing took place.
Each Mayan City had a Royal Family and a chief. Both were highly respected and often attented important funerals and celebrations as a part of their leadership and duties.