Traditionally, Mayan houses were made from perishable materials, such as poles, thatch, and adobe. The majority of Maya houses were single-story structures with one or more rooms. The entrance to the house was usually on one end, and the walls were often covered in white plaster.
Inside the house, there was usually a central hearth for cooking and heating. There were also often sleeping platforms, storage areas, and a grinding stone. The floors of the houses were usually made from tamped earth or stone.
Maya people cooked a variety of foods, including corn, beans, squash, and tortillas. They also ate meat, fish, and poultry. The Maya used a variety of spices, including chili peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
The Maya people were very skilled at weaving and embroidery. They used cotton and wool to make a variety of clothing, including shirts, skirts, dresses, and pants. The Maya also made jewelry and other ornaments from gold, silver, copper, and jade.
Social Structure
The Mayan society was very hierarchical, with a small elite class at the top and a large peasant class at the bottom. The elite class was made up of the rulers, the priests, and the military leaders. The peasant class was made up of the farmers, the artisans, and the laborers.
The Maya were very religious, and their religion was polytheistic. They believed in a pantheon of gods, including a creator god, a rain god, a sun god, and a corn god. The Maya built temples and other religious structures where they performed rituals and ceremonies.
Agriculture
The Maya were very skilled farmers. They used a variety of agricultural techniques, including terracing, irrigation, and crop rotation. They grew a variety of crops, including corn, beans, squash, and tomatoes. The Maya also raised animals, such as turkeys, chickens, and dogs.
Trade
The Maya traded with other Mesoamerican cultures, including the Olmecs, the Zapotecs, and the Mixtec. They traded a variety of goods, including obsidian, cacao, cotton, and jade. The Maya also traded with the Spanish after they arrived in the Americas.
Transportation
The Maya traveled on foot or by boat. They also used a system of roads and canals to transport goods and people. The Maya built bridges over rivers and streams, and they also built causeways across swamps and marshes.
Writing and Calendar
The Maya were one of the few Mesoamerican cultures to develop a writing system. They used a system of glyphs to represent words and ideas. The Maya also developed a very accurate calendar. Their calendar was based on the solar year, and it was used to track the cycles of the sun and moon and to predict eclipses.
Astronomy and Mathematics
The Maya were very skilled in astronomy and mathematics. They developed a system of numbering based on the number 20. They also used a calendar that was based on the observation of the stars and planets.
Medicine
The Maya had a well-developed system of medicine. They used a variety of herbs and plants to treat illnesses. They also practiced surgery and other medical procedures.