How were the Mayan People Divided Into Classes?

Ba'ax ka wa'alik “BAH-ah shko-WAH ah-LEEK” (Hello in the ancient Mayan Language.)

Today we begin talking about one of the ancient civilization that existed in the Americas: The Mayas. The Mayas had a great civilization that created many amazing things. Even though they disappeared by the time Europeans travelled to the “new world,” they left behind a lasting legacy that still impacts the culture of the area today.

DO NOW: Read the story provided on your table. After you read the story, answer the following questions:

1. What are different jobs that people had in Maya life?

2. Which groups of people do you think had it the worst? Why?

CLASSWORK: 3.3 Maya Social Structure. Then complete a foldable for the different social classes.

HOMEWORK: Mayan Daily LIfe Homework Sheet in the Homework folder. Re-read the story that you read in class. Add 2 new facts about each social class that you learned from the story.