The Mayan Civilisation

Learning Outcomes -

By the end of this topic, learners should be able to:

✔ Locate the Maya civilisation on a map
✔ Describe key features of Maya cities and daily life
✔ Explain the Maya writing system, number system, and calendar
✔ Understand the role of religion, astronomy, and culture
✔ Discuss the Maya legacy and why it is important today

Discover the Mayan Civilisation

The Maya were one of the most advanced ancient civilisations in Central America. They built towering cities, studied the stars, invented a writing system, and created amazing art and architecture.

This topic helps KS2 pupils explore who the Maya were, how they lived, and what their legacy teaches us about history, culture, and science.

What Will You Learn?

🌎 Where and When Did the Maya Live?

Locate the Maya on a map of Central America. Learn about the regions of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador and when the Maya civilisation thrived (around 2000 BCE to 1500 CE).

🏛️ Mayan Cities and Architecture

Explore famous cities such as Tikal, Chichen Itza, and Palenque. Learn about pyramids, temples, ball courts, and how the Maya designed their cities.

📜 Writing, Numbers and Calendars

Discover the Mayan writing system (glyphs) and number system, including the use of zero. Learn about the Mayan calendar and how it tracked time and seasons.

🌽 Daily Life and Society

Find out what Maya people ate, how they farmed, what jobs they had, and the role of families, rulers, and priests in society.

🧠 Science, Astronomy and Religion

Learn how the Maya studied the stars, predicted eclipses, and connected their observations to religion. Explore gods, ceremonies, and myths that guided everyday life.

⚽ Mayan Games and Culture

Discover the Maya ball game, art, pottery, and clothing. Understand how these cultural activities were important for entertainment and religion.

🌱 Legacy of the Maya

Understand how the Maya contributed to mathematics, astronomy, writing, and architecture, influencing people today.

Curriculum Links

This topic supports KS1, KS2 and KS3 History objectives:

History
✔ A study of a non-European ancient civilisation
✔ Social, cultural, and technological achievements of the Maya
✔ Understanding historical sources and evidence

Cross-Curricular Links

• Geography – locate countries and map Maya cities

• Maths – Mayan number system and calendars

• English – report writing, storytelling, and non-chronological reports

• Art – Maya art, glyphs, and patterns

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