Maya Civilization: Culture and Beliefs

The video explores the mysterious disappearance of the Classic Maya civilization, which thrived from 250 to 900 AD. Despite their advanced achievements in art, science, and architecture, the Maya cities were abandoned, leaving behind a mystery. The video delves into the rediscovery of Maya ruins in the 19th century, the decoding of their hieroglyphs, and the exploration of their beliefs and rituals. It examines the role of kings, blood sacrifices, and the eventual loss of faith that led to the civilization's decline.

What year did the Classic Maya civilization reach its peak?

• 1000 AD

• 900 AD

• 750 AD

• 500 AD

Which explorers rediscovered the Classic Maya civilization in the 19th century?

• Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro

• Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci

• James Cook and Ferdinand Magellan

• John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood

What was the primary focus of the Maya's sophisticated mathematical system?

• Agriculture

• Astronomy

• Architecture

• Trade

What did the Maya use to create their unique written language?

• Runes

• Cuneiform

• Hieroglyphs

• Latin alphabet

What did the Maya believe would happen on December 23, 2012?

• A new era of prosperity

• A great flood

• The return of their kings

• The end of the world

What was the purpose of the Maya's bloodletting rituals?

• To heal the sick

• To ensure the stability of their world

• To celebrate victories

• To punish criminals

What did the Maya believe resided in their blood?

• Their soul

• Their strength

• Their wisdom

• Their courage

What was the role of the Maya kings in their society?

• To build monuments

• To perform rituals and sacrifices

• To lead armies

• To trade with other civilizations

What was the main reason for the decline of the Classic Maya civilization?

• Famine

• Invading armies

• Loss of faith in their kings

• Terrible disease

What did the Maya do when they lost faith in their kings?

• Built new temples

• Abandoned their cities

• Continued to follow them

• Rebelled against them