THE ARCHAEOLOGIST
The Mayan Civilization was located on the Yucatan Peninsula, what is known today as Central America. The area had lots of rain forests that provided good spots for crops. The geography had a big effect on trade because the area had volcanoes that provided the Mayans with fresh soil. Since the soil was good for crops, the Mayans used a method of farming called slash and burn. The method of slash and burn is done by growing crops to the full extent and burn the crops which then fertilizes the soil and makes fresh farming ground. That's why volcanoes had a big impact on farming.
Mayan traders traded between the Pacific Ocean and the Yucatan. Most of the traders traded by doing silent bartering and trading by going to each city state. They traded weapons and ideas with one another to bring back to their villages and towns. Art was a part of trade because it was a main item to trade. There were many variations and styles in Mayan art. Much of the artwork that was done by the Mayans was gone because of the Spanish Conquistadors. They thought the artwork was drawings of he devil because the pictures displayed human sacrifice. (Ruddell et al, Maya Civilization: Peoples, Geography and Language)
Local officials made villages larger and bigger so that peasants could live in larger homes. Rulers made many human sacrifices to the gods and used human hearts as a gift to the gods. They did many sacrifices that attracted to the city. It had many merchants that came to trade manufactured goods. (Bogert, Mayan Architecture of the Yucatan Peninsula)
Mayan traders traded between the Pacific Ocean and the Yucatan. Most of the traders traded by doing silent bartering and trading by going to each city state. They traded weapons and ideas with one another to bring back to their villages and towns. Art was a part of trade because it was a main item to trade. There were many variations and styles in Mayan art. Much of the artwork that was done by the Mayans was gone because of the Spanish Conquistadors. They thought the artwork was drawings of he devil because the pictures displayed human sacrifice. (Ruddell et al, Maya Civilization: Peoples, Geography and Language)
Local officials made villages larger and bigger so that peasants could live in larger homes. Rulers made many human sacrifices to the gods and used human hearts as a gift to the gods. They did many sacrifices that attracted to the city. It had many merchants that came to trade manufactured goods. (Bogert, Mayan Architecture of the Yucatan Peninsula)