Webquest: Mesoamerican History
The history of Mesoamerica is divided into different periods beginning with the Olmec period. Use the keywords "Mesoamerican history" in a search engine to find reputable websites with information to answers the following questions.
1. List the year each period began and ended:
(a) Olmec
(b) Formative or Preclassic Maya
(c) Classic Maya
(d) Postclassic Maya
2. Describe the social structure that developed in the Olmec civilization and how they depended on each other.
3. List and describe the achievements of the Olmec.
4. Describe the colossal head that were built by the Olmec and why they were built.
5. The Maya did not unite to form a single united empire. Independent city-states or kingdoms with common cultural ties developed instead. What cultural elements did these city-states share?
6. Describe the branches of government of the Maya that developed during the Preclassic Period and describe the duties of those who served in the government.
7. Describe the important role that priests played in the Mayan culture. What were some of their duties?
8. List and describe the achievements of the Maya during the Preclassic and Classic periods.
9. By the period of Classic Maya a distinct social system had developed in the numerous Maya kingdoms. Tell about the social divisions and how these divisions impacted the lives of the Maya people.
10. The daily life of families was important to the survival of the culture. Describe this structure and how families worked together to ensure survival. Why was this necessary?
11. How are their lifestyle and the roles of men and women similar and different from life in our culture?
12. List and describe the achievements of the Maya during the Classic period.
13. Describe the factors that may have led to the decline of the Maya.
14. Identify four pieces of Ancient Mayan art or architecture. Cut and paste a small image of each or include a link to the item. Explain why you find each piece interesting.
15. How do the Maya live today?