CH 12, Section 2
Maya Cities, Government & Decline
Cities & Government

Government Structure Mayan regions were not united
under a central ruler, they divided into city-states. The cities
shared a common Maya culture but…

o
Each city had its own ruler.
o
Each city functioned as its own religious and government center.
CitiesIncluded stone pyramids, temples, and palaces. Many buildings honored local
kings or gods. All buildings were decorated with carvings and paintings.
o Cities often had large plazas for publics markets and entertainment.
o Canals controled water and directed it into the cities.
o Many cities also had an outdoor Pak-ta-tok ball court.
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
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The courts were about the size of a football field, the game was a
combination of soccer and basketball.
A hard rubber ball, was knocked through a stone hoop set in the court
wall by player’s elbows, knees, and hips.
Hands and feet could not be used. The ball could not touch the ground.
Decline

900- Mayan civilization began to decline.
o
People stopped building cities and moved back into villages.
o Possible reasons include: Drought, crop failures, war, disease, overuse of natural
resources, and rebellion.

Warfare Conflicts between cities over power and land often led to wars.
o Warriors fought hand-to-hand using spears, flints knives, and wooden clubs.
CH 12, Section 2
o Enemy prisoners either became religious sacrifices or slaves.

Millions of Mayas continue to live in Central America, some continue the cultural
traditions of their Mayan ancestors.
Compare/Contrast: Compare Maya to Olmec or the Egyptian culture.
Shared
Maya