Instructions

1. Instructions • Anything written in yellow (SLOW down and pay attention) is useful information. You should write it in your notes IN YOUR OWN WORDS. • Anything in red (STOP and pay close attention) is critical information and should be copied exactly. • Anything in green (GO on to the next point) you do not have to write.

2. The Maya

3. Some info • Historians first believed the Maya were peaceful and had a perfect society. • They were the most advanced people in the Western Hemisphere. • Now historians are questioning their thoughts.

4. Geography

5. Latin America: Mexico, Central and South America. • Volcanic ash makes the land good for farming. • South America features huge mountains and huge rivers. • Some areas flood while others suffer drought.

6. Where were the Mayans?

7. Geography • The Mayans lived on the southern tip of Mexico and into central America. • The land was heavily covered in rain forests. • This provided some advantages to the Maya but also some challenges.

8. Good land for farming. Plenty of water. Lots and lots of trees for wood. Not much room for it though. Usually, too much water! Doesn’t leave much room for buildings. Pros Cons

9. Problem

10. Solution Problem

12. Solution Problem

13. Adaptations • They did two main things to make their environment better. • Slash and burn – cutting down and burning trees to clear room. • Terracing – cutting “stairs” into hills to make more flat land. (also called terrace farming)