Mayan Civilization Understanding the characteristics that make up civilizations is essential to understanding and learning history. Whether ancient or modern, these characteristics, although varying slightly depending on a given civilization, demonstrate the many commonalities that groups of people share, regardless of whether they ever came into contact with each other. Some characteristics that make the Mayans a civilization include its large urban infrastructures like the cities of Tikal and Chichen Itza and also its religion which was polytheistic and practiced living sacrifices. The Mayans also had a strong government consisting of over 100 city-states and a social class system ranging from king to slave. Finally, the step-shaped pyramids that were built as temples are considered public works/places of worship, to which is added a writing system consisting of more than 8,000 symbols. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essayThe Mayans, through their work, show us the main characteristics that make them a civilization. First through their immense cities and the complexity of their religion. The most important cities of the Mayans were Chichen Itza and Tikal, these cities were at the time almost several times larger than their European counterparts. A typical town was rarely organized on a neat grid and was divided into either a rural community or a large ceremonial center. These cities were typically built along side pyramids, palaces, and house mounds built around a courtyard. Mayan religion was polytheistic and based on nature and astrology. Some of their gods are Itzamná (Fire/Earth) and Kukulcán (Feathered Serpent). The Mayans also believed in sacrifices of humans and living animals because they believed it was the only means of communication with the gods and a way for them to receive blessings. Second, they show us their strong central government, ruled by kings as an independent city. States and their social classes which ranged from kings to slaves. At the height of the Mayan Empire, it was divided into more than 100 independent city-states, each ruled by a king seen as a communicator between the gods and the people. This type of government was led by kings, nobles elected to a council, and priests sought for their advice in decision-making. Every civilization has a social class, the Mayans were no different. Here, the social class was divided into 5 groups; The king, a council, nobles, merchants/artisans and commoners (slaves and peasants). Finally, the Mayans show us their public works such as the staircase-shaped pyramids and their complex writing system made up of more than 8,000 symbols. . The Maya's major public works included the construction of more than 600 step pyramids and what are now considered the best roads in the ancient world. These step-shaped pyramids are believed to be constructed of limestone blocks and used for both sacrificial rituals and ceremonies. Finally, the Mayans had a very complex writing system consisting of complex symbols and hieroglyphs. This writing system included more than 8,000 symbols that were used in everyday life to express emotions or write history. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Mayan Civilization Who Who Has.