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Ancient American Civilizations

Ancient American Civilizations, particularly the Aztec, Inca, and Maya, were some of the most technologically advanced ancient societies.  Aztec societies were found in modern day Mexico and were known for discoveries in tool making, medicine, and astronomy.  The Inca made their home in present day South America and are known for their incredible architecture high in the Andes Mountains.  In Central America, the Maya planted their civilizations that still exist to this day.  Ancient Maya art and architecture remain as evidence of their ancient existence and their mathematical and astronomical systems continue to impact modern life.

Lesson Plans

PDF Día de los Muertos: An Introduction
Booklet El Día de los Muertos - History and Customs (English)
Booklet El Día de los Muertos Historia y Costumbres (Spanish)
DOC Exploring Brazil: A Window into the Language and Culture
Booklet The Amazing Twins: Ancient Maya Tales from the Popol Wuj

CLAS Lending Library Resources

DVD Cabeza de Vaca (1991)
DVD Cracking the Maya Code (2008)
Book Exploring Art of the Ancient Americas
Book Hechos de Yucatán (Mexico)
Magazine Mysteries of the Maya
Book Popol Vuh: A Sacred Book of the Maya
Book Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
Book The Ancient American World
Book Yucatán: Before and After the Conquest

CLAS Workshop Presentations

PPT Apocalypse Now?
PDF Calendar and Math
PPT Do Indigenous Groups Disappear?
PPT Maya Cosmology, Ritual and Religion
PPT Maya Hieroglyphs, Calendars, and Math
PPT Maya Math and the Calendar
PPT The Ancient Maya (Part I)
PPT The Ancient Maya (Part II)