Latin America – Early Civilizations of Middle America

Latin America – Early Civilizations of Middle America

The Mayan Civilization was located in Central

America and Mexico.

The Mayan Civilization lasted from A.D. 250 – 900.

Copan is a Mayan city now located in present day Honduras. Tikal is also a

former Mayan city, which is now located in present day Guatemala.

The concept of zero, as used in math was an important contribution from

the Mayan Civilization.

The Mayan form of writing was known as hieroglyphics.

This is a form of graphic writing, using signs and symbols instead of

letters, as we do.

The Mayas also studied

the stars and planets.

They made two types of

calendars, as well.

Although the Mayan farmer grew a variety of crops, corn, known

as maize was its most important crop.

Pok-Ta-Tok was a game

played by the Mayan Civilization. It was an early

version of…

Basketball

The Aztec Civilization began in

the Valley of Mexico. They

settled on an island in Lake Texcoco, in 1325. It took time

to develop, but lasted through the

early 1500s.

The Aztec people were able to change

a swampy lake into a great city, which was called Tenochtitlan

which was its capitol city.

The floating island was noted for great farming, and the

Aztecs were known for their farming skills.

Aztec doctors were able to make over a thousand types of

medicine from using plants.

In conclusion:

The Aztecs are remembered for developing hieroglyphics, medicine,

designing jewelry, fine crafts and predicting eclipses.