Mayan Facts for Kids
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The Mayans were a fascinating civilization that existed in Central America from around 2000 BC to the 16th century. They were an advanced society that had many achievements in science, astronomy, art, and architecture. Here are some interesting facts about the Mayan civilization that will intrigue and excite kids.
1. The Mayans were great astronomers.
The Mayans were the first civilization to develop a calendar, which they based on the movements of the Sun, Moon, and stars. They had two calendars, one consisting of 260 days and another of 365 days. The 260-day calendar was used for religious purposes, while the 365-day calendar was used for farming and other activities.
2. Mayans built impressive pyramids.
Mayans were master builders and constructed magnificent pyramids and temples. The most famous pyramids were found in Tikal, Guatemala, and Chichen Itza, Mexico. The pyramids were used for religious ceremonies, and some were even used as tombs for rulers and important people.
3. Mayans had a unique writing system.
The Mayans were the only civilization in the Americas to develop a written language. They used a system of hieroglyphs (pictures and symbols) to represent their spoken language. The codices (books) written by Mayans were made of bark paper and painted with vibrant colors.
4. Mayans had a complex social structure.
The Mayans had a hierarchical social structure with the ruler (also known as the king or ahau) at the top. Below the ruler were nobles, priests, merchants, artisans, farmers, and slaves. The position of a person in society was determined by birth, occupation, and achievements.
5. Mayans were skilled mathematicians.
The Mayans were skilled mathematicians and used a base-20 system. They developed the concept of zero, which was not invented in Europe until the 13th century. Mayans also used a sophisticated system of calendar calculations, which required advanced mathematics.
6. Mayans had a diverse diet.
The Mayans had a diverse diet that included maize (corn), beans, squash, tomatoes, avocados, and chilies. They also ate animals like deer, turkey, and duck. Chocolate, made from cocoa beans, was a popular drink among the elite.
7. Mayans played a ball game called Ulama.
Ulama was a ball game played by the Mayans, which involved two teams and a rubber ball. The objective of the game was to pass the ball through a stone hoop without using hands or feet. The game was played for religious reasons and sometimes had a human sacrifice at the end.