Ancient Maya
The lost civilization
By Georgia
The Maya traded throughout their immediate geographical region which covered small cities to large kingdoms. They also traded with many other mesoamerican cultures including Teotihuacan, the Zapotec and other groups in Mexico.
The Maya also traded outside of the mesoamerican reigon with the Tainos of the Caribean Islands.
Important trade goods included obsidian, jade, seashells, salt and cacao.
The Mayans traded many goods that were considered to be of equal value and used them in different and interesting ways. For example, conch shells were used as trumpets. They mainly exported cocao beans, jade and quetzal feathers.
Heavy draft and cart or wagan pulling animals were lacking in the Mayan civilization. Because of this, manpower was the main form of transporting goods and crops to and from cities and farms, carring items on backs and heads.
These trading pathways were connected to each Mayan City in order for them to trade. These pathways were elevated and had gutter like edges to catch any rain water. These pathways were durable, could survive most weather conditions and went on for many miles through the forrest.
Mayan cities were linked together through a series of trade networks.
