Maya Creation and Society

Origins of Humanity in Maya Tradition

• Maya believe people were created from corn.
• Initial attempts by gods:
  • Made humans from mud and wood.
  • These beings could not speak.
• Success came from mixing blood with maize flower, resulting in walking, talking humans.
• Early Maya referred to themselves as "the people of the maize."

Emergence of Maya Civilization

• Maya civilization developed around the same time as the Zapotec.
• Geographic areas:
  • Southern Mexico and Central America (circa 1500 BC)
  • Lowlands (north) and highlands (south)
  • Yucatan Peninsula and tropical jungles of Mexico and Guatemala.

Agriculture and Economic Development

• Successful agricultural practices led to surplus production:
  • Primary crops: maize, beans, chili peppers, cacao beans.
  • Maize was considered sacred.
• Surpluses allowed specialization of roles:
  • Emergence of priests, merchants, and craftspeople by 500 BC.

Social Structure and Class System

• Development of a class system in Maya cities:
  1. King:
     • Performed religious ceremonies, believed to descend from gods.
  2. Priests and Warriors:
     • Priests regulated agricultural practices and conducted ceremonies.
     • Warriors were respected and well-trained.
  3. Merchants and Craftspeople:
     • Craftspeople created pottery and built structures.
     • Merchants traded goods.
  4. Farmers and Slaves:
     • Majority of population, often low status.
     • Slaves were mainly prisoners of war with the worst living conditions.

Living Conditions and Lifestyle

• Class influences lifestyle:
  • Upper class lived in stone buildings, wore decorative clothing.
  • Farmers lived in mud huts and wore plain clothes.
  • Wealthy enjoyed comfortable lifestyles.
• Farmers worked hard on terraces and irrigation systems for crops.
• Farmers also worked on king's fields and construction (temples and monuments).

Agricultural Knowledge and Religion

• Maya learned to track seasonal changes for efficient planting and harvesting.
• Religion was central to Maya life, worshipping many gods (fire, sun, war, rain, maize).
• Offerings made to gods to please them included food, animals, plants, and precious objects.

Human Sacrifice and Beliefs

• Maya believed their blood nourished the gods.
• Often sacrificed slaves from lower classes as offerings.
• Blood sacrifices honored the gods in return for favor.