~Ancient Civilizations~
The Mayans
Group Members:
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Mayan Map Skills
Directions: Locate the area of the Mayan civilization on the map below. Shade in the area
with a colored pencil. Label at least one major city with a dot and its name. Also, label any
natural features (bodies of water, mountains, rivers, etc.) that are around the area.
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Mayan Vocabulary Words
Directions: Write the definition to each vocabulary word. If possible, draw a picture to go
along with your definition.
Important Word
Maize
Hieroglyphics
Peninsula
Civilization
Pyramid
Chichen Itza
Mayan Calendar
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Definition
Picture (if possible)
Location
Directions: Fill in the table below about the Mayan civilization. Try to include as much detail
as you can.
Important Word
Definition
Continent civilization
is located on…
Country/Countries today
where civilization lived
Important city/cities
of civilization
Overall landscape of
civilization (mountains,
rivers, lakes, etc.)
Mayan Government
Directions: Each civilization had its own unique government. Fill in the chart below by placing
a check mark (√) under “yes” or “no” if the topic relates to the Mayan civilization.
Yes
No
KING/RULER
WARRIORS
SLAVES
PYRAMIDS
BELIEF IN GODS
SYSTEM OF WRITING
Directions: Now take one of the topics from above and describe how that part of government
was important to the Mayan civilization. Your information can be in the form of a paragraph
or a detailed colorful picture with a written description.
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Roles and Jobs of the Mayan People
Directions: The people of the Mayan civilization had different roles and jobs in their society.
Fill in the chart below by adding detail to what you have learned.
People
FARMERS
NOBLES
WARRIORS
CRAFTSMEN
PRIESTS
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Specific Description
Understanding the Mayan Civilization
Directions: In each box below, you will need to provide at least two examples for each
category. Then you will need to draw and color one picture per box showing an example of
that specific category.
Category
Buildings
Writing/Calendar
Tools/Weapons
Food/Storage Items
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Picture (with caption)
Mayan Homes
Directions: You are asked to describe the type of home (materials used, shape and design,
size, etc.) and also draw a colored picture of the home in the box provided.
Description of Mayan homes…
Peasants/Farmers
Kings/Priests
Drawings of Mayan homes…
Peasants/Farmers
Kings/Priests
European Influences
Directions: Your job is to research and answer the questions below on how European
explorers influenced the lives of the Mayan civilization.
1. What was the name of any famous European explorer who came in contact with the
Mayan civilization? When did this person arrive in “The New World?” What country did
the person come from?
2. What were the effects on the people when this explorer came in contact with them?
What happened to the Mayan civilization?
3. What advantages did the European explorers have over the Mayan people?
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