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Mayan Influence On Ancient American Culture

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The Maya, whose memory is slowly being pieced back together, were a complex people who developed a sophisticated culture long before some history books might lead us to believe. Early in the video, viewers are introduced to cultural references when Tikal is compared to modern day New York and Copan is likened more to Paris. Similar to many other civilizations, the Maya consisted of both rulers – kings who claimed to be descendants of Gods - and a ruling class. Beyond this was what is referred to as a hierarchical social ordering (commonly associated with the Classic era), with nobility, warriors/priests, scribes/traders, artisans, community laborers, and servants/slaves. Their civilization was great, dominant and very socially multifaceted. Perhaps most peculiar was the fact that they were not centrally located with a single set of rulers. Instead, the separate city-states were ruled by individual leaders. In some instances, rulers would have control beyond their particular borders, but that was a rarity. Beginning in the Yucatan and south Mexico lowlands around 1800 B.C., the Maya people saw their culture …show more content…

Interestingly, this same method of thinking translated into other areas of the world that relied upon spiritual and religious construct in their governance. Royal families also had roles to play within public ceremonies, including the “ball game” that was introduced in last week’s lesson. One of the more interesting examples includes bloodletting, an act that was performed by many but was thought to be exceptionally significant when done by kings as a way to please the Gods. Often, these kings would pierce their foreskins with stingray spines and allow the blood to slowly drip out. However, not all rituals were as strangely morbid, with others including dance and

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