Mayan Weapons
The Mayans had different types of weapons used to capture their enemies. They had long distance,defensive, and melee weapons.Long Distance Weapons
The long distance weapons included spears,clubs,knives, bow and arrow,blowgun,and slings. The spear thrower was discovered by the Teotihuacan and brought to the Mayans in 400 A.D. The Mayans mainly used the spearthrower,because it could pierce through enemy metal and it increased accurary. Another favored weapon was the blowgun,altough it was normally used for hunting, it bcame popular for combat in the Post-Classical era.Melee Weapons
The Maya also used melee weapons or weapons used for one-on-one combat. Some of the more popular melee weapons were clubs,axes,stabbing knives,and spears. The Mayan club was even able of beheading a horse.The axes they use had heads made of stone,obsidian,flint,or stone.The sharper edge of the axe was used to slaughter and the dull edge would be used to strike enemies. The versatility of the axe led to it being named Maya's favorite melee weapon.Defensive Weapons
The Maya bulit forts around some of their cities. In order to protect themselves, the warriors carried shields. The more experiences warriors wore cotton armor that was treated with rock salt. Yet, the Mayan warriors never wore helmets, but instead they chose to wear decorated headdresses. They also used animal skins and body paint to display their ranking on the battle field. |
| Mayan Warrior http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2338/2264438431_55a12678a4_z.jpg?zz=1 |
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| Spear Thrower http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c9/8a/c5/c98ac5b1209650095ea1697 41a24d888.jpg |
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| Mayan city http://www.thelivingmoon.com/43ancients/04images/Pyramid/ Tikal_Guatemala_1600.JPG |
Mayan Government
The Maya were not united by one sovereign country and ruler, yet they were united by the same language and religion.
City States
The Mayans were divided into city- states, each being controlled by noble families. One of the largest Mayan city-states was El Mirador. El Mirador had over 100,00 citizens. It also housed three pyramids: El Tigre, Los Monos ,and La Danta. El Mirador flourished from 6th century BC to 1st century AD. Another city state that was a large part of Mayan civilization was Kaminaljuyu.It was located in Guatemala and it was a major trade city for cacao ,fruits , and pottery.
Rulers
Each city state had a ruler. One of the most famous Mayan rulers was K'inich Janaab' Pakal, the king of Palenque. He is credited for the construction and extension of Palenque's architecture. Another legendary leader was, Snake Spine. Snake Spine lived during the time of the Olmecs and traded with them. Lastly, other Mayan rulers were K'inich Popol Hol, K'ak Joplaj Chan K'awiil,and Muwaan Mat.Laws
Mayan laws were very strict and followed the eye for an eye motto. For example, if you murder someone you will probably be beheaded. The Maya didn't have jails, therefore if you were convicted of a crime, it was administered as soon as you were found guilty. If you were a king or a high ranking official and you would be punished more severely than the average citizen.
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| A sculpture of K'inich Janaab' Pakal http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6a/74/1f/6a741fb727bf49d7c7e04 2e4f430a9a4.jpg Mayan WarsThe Mayans were believed to be peaceful people, but historians have discovered that they were actually very violent.Star Wars
The Maya fought some battles according to the astronmonical calendar. These wars are called star wars. For example, the Maya fought when a certain star would rise in the sky. The Maya did this because they believed it brought evil to the world. The Mayans believed that some wars were meant to be and were pleasing and entertaining to the gods.
Battle Strategy
The Mayans had a two-step plan to conquer their enemies. The plan was called Star-over-Shell, and the first step ws to capture their foes and the next one was to take the captured to be presented to the royals. In addition, the kings might have decided that the captives were fit to be sacrificed, then the next day the captive was sacrificed. The priests aided in th sacrifice as well.
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