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Maya civilization

Definition

The Maya civilization was an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in the region of present-day Mexico and Central America. They were known for their advancements in art, architecture, mathematics, and writing.

Analogy

Think of the Maya civilization as a vibrant and bustling city filled with skilled artists, architects, mathematicians, and writers. Just like a city has different neighborhoods with distinct characteristics, the Maya civilization had diverse cities and regions within its territory.

Related terms

Mesoamerica: Mesoamerica refers to the geographic region where the Maya civilization thrived. It includes parts of modern-day Mexico and Central America.

Pyramids: The Mayans built impressive pyramids as religious structures. These pyramids served as ceremonial centers for worshiping gods and performing rituals.

Hieroglyphics: The Mayans developed a complex writing system using hieroglyphics. Similar to how emojis are used today to convey messages visually, hieroglyphics were used by the Mayans to communicate through pictures and symbols.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.