Maya Civilization
Glossary and Terms
History >> Aztec, Maya, and Inca for Kids
Ahau or Ahaw - The main king or lord of a Maya city-state.
Batab - A lesser lord, usually ruling over a small town.
Cacao - Seeds that the Maya used to make chocolate.
Cenote - A sinkhole or pit filled with water, cenotes were sources of water for the Maya and were also used as places of sacrifice.
Chac Mool - A type of statue of a human figure in a reclining position usually holding a tray over the stomach.
Chichen Itza - The most powerful city-state during the start of the Post-classic period, Chichen Itza is a very popular tourist attraction today.
City-state - An independent government where a large city rules the surrounding area.
Classic Period - The golden age of the Maya civilization running from 250 AD to 900 AD.
Codex - A type of book written by the Maya that was created by one long sheet of paper that was then folded like an accordion.
Glyph - A symbol used in writing.
Haab' - The Maya solar calendar that was used to measure time and had 365 days.
Hero Twins - A major story in Maya mythology, the Hero Twins were said to be the ancestors of the Maya rulers.
Huipil - A traditional garment worn by Maya women.
Itzamna - The main god of the Maya, Itzamna was the god of fire who created the Earth.
Kin - Word representing a day in the Maya calendar.
Kukulcan - The serpent god of the Maya. One of the primary gods, especially to the Itza peoples of Chichen Itza.
Lintel - An architectural element often found over doorways in Maya architecture.
Nacom - A high ranking military leader in the Maya army.
Obsidian - A hard rock that was used to make sharp edges and tools.
Popol Vuh - A book or codex that described Maya religion and mythology.
Pre-classic Period - The period of Maya history running from the start of the Maya civilization around 2000 BC to the start of the Classic Period in 250 AD.
Post-classic Period - The period of Maya history running from the end of the Classic Period in 900 AD to the end of the Maya civilization in 1500 AD.
Pyramid - A large monument with four sides that tapers at the top. The Maya build step pyramids with flat tops. At the top they built a temple to their gods.
Quetzal - A type of jungle bird with feathers that the Maya used in their feathered clothing and headdresses.
Stela - A tall monumental sculpture made from stone with relief carvings made by the Maya.
Tikal - One of the most powerful city-states during the Classic Period.
Tzolk'in - The Maya religious calendar used to track religious days and ceremonies. It had 260 days.
Uinal - Word for a month in the Maya calendar. It was 20 days long.
Yucatan Peninsula - An area in southeastern Mexico where some of the Maya civilization developed.
Works Cited
History >> Aztec, Maya, and Inca for Kids
