Mayan Civilization Ancient Civilizations - 1314 Words

Mayan Civilization The mayan civilization was one of the earliest civilizations that occupied areas that are today known as Guatemala, Northern Belize, and Mexico. The mayan civilization lived through what is known as the Classic Period. Their culture began about 250 C.E. and ended near 900 C.E. While most of the population lived in what is present day Guatemala the population of the mayans rose from 5,000 to almost two million people near the end of the Classic Period. Although the mayans are known for their cultural unity, the mayans were an advanced civilization that can be analyzed through their advancements in technology. To begin with, the mayan civilization was an advanced civilization that can be analyzed through its advancement†¦show more content†¦Through the usage of slash and burn agriculture the mayans demonstrated their advancement in agricultural techniques by creating a fertilization that required nothing less than the own forest they burned. Furthermore, the mayans would develop their own tools as well as farming methods such as terracing and irrigation which would help them preserve the land for the next centuries. The Britannica Encyclopedia states that the mayans used tools such as the hoe hence they had not discovered the invention of the iron plow. Unlike today s hoe, it consisted of a blade set at geometric right angles attached to a long handle which would make it effective when digging through tough soil. Moreover, the Britannica Encyclopedia writes, â€Å"they used advanced techniques of irrigation and terracing.† Terracing was the agricultural method in which the mayans would either plant their crops on mountains or on the side of hills. Through this method the mayans were not only able to preserve more water but they were also able to prolong the fertility of the soil they used by reducing its erosion. In addition to the preservation of water, the mayans applied the usage of irrigation. Irrigation was the farming met hod of either applying water to where it was needed or removing water from areas that had an excess amount. By using irrigation the mayans were able to increase production of crops while also improvingShow MoreRelatedThe Mayan Civilization : Ancient Civilization1425 Words   |  6 PagesThe Mayan Civilization: For many centuries the Mayan was of life was a mystery to archaeologists. Their geography, social structure, government, economy/trade, technology, writing, and arts were all thought to be forever lost. Now, as archaeologists are still uncovering more information, what was once referred to as â€Å"The Lost Civilization of Maya†, has been awakened from the grave of unknown. Geography: The ancient Mayan Civilization surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean stretchedRead MoreAncient Civilization And The Mayan People917 Words   |  4 PagesEvery ancient civilization had a set of beliefs and the Mayan people were no different. 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