Yucatan Peninsula: An area in southeastern Mexico where some of the Maya civilization developed. Stele: A tall monumental sculpture made from stone with relief carvings. Before the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Central America, the Maya possessed one of the greatest civilizations of the Western Hemisphere ( see pre-Columbian civilizations: The earliest Maya civilization of the lowlands ). Quetzal: A type of jungle bird with feathers that the Maya used in their feathered clothing and headdresses. Popol Vuh: A Maya codex that described their religion and mythology. Obsidian: A hard volcanic rock used to make tools and sculptures. The Maya people refer to themselves by ethnicity and language bonds such as Quiche in the south or Yucatec in the north (though there are many others). Kukulcan: A feathered serpent that is one of the primary gods of the Maya. The designation Maya comes from the ancient Yucatan city of Mayapan, the last capital of a Mayan Kingdom in the Post-Classic Period. Hero Twins: A major story in Maya mythology, the Hero Twins were believed to be the Sun and the Moon and their descendants the ruler of Earth. Tragically, most were destroyed by the Spanish. Chichen Itza is a popular tourist attraction today.Ĭodex: A type of book written by the Maya that was created by one long sheet of paper that was folded like an accordion. Many important and awe inspiring sites remain such as the Temple of Kukulcan, a massive step pyramid. The Maya considered it to be 'food of the gods' and it was an integral part of their religious and every day lives.Ĭhichen Itza: The most powerful city-state during the start of the post-classic period (900-1500). When students define and illustrate each term, they master the application of it and retain it as part of their lexicon.Īhau or Ahaw: Ruler or king of a Maya city-state.Ĭacao: Seeds that come from a small tropical American evergreen tree and can be used to make cocoa, cocoa butter, and chocolate. Students will preview the terms and definitions and use whole class or small group discussion to demonstrate their understanding of each meaning. Known formally by his royal name, K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo ', he reigned for eleven years from 426-437 CE. In this activity, students will create a storyboard that defines and illustrates key vocabulary related to the Maya. Yax K'uk' Mo' (pronounced Yash Kook Mo') was the founder and first king of the dynasty that ruled the Maya city of Copan (in modern day Honduras) for 350 years.

Starting a unit or lesson with the key vocabulary that students will see in their readings or presentations aids in overall comprehension and retention.

Maya civilization king