Choose your Own Culture Information

Pre-Colombian Pyramids:

• Pyramid-temples, platforms, arcaded halls, palaces, and other buildings had shown understandings of complex math and astronomy. 
• Great achievements in astronomy, math, and architecture happened in the Classic period.
• Mayans believed that sacred places should be located near or in places or power. 
•  First a pile of rubble would be built up to provide bulk, which would then be encased in a stone facing which would hold the rubble in place.
• Used a technique called corbelling for building arches. The blocks in this technique were frequently shaved off to form triangles. 
• Xicalcoliuhqui pattern was used in architecture, clothing, make up, and art. 
• The El Castillo pyramid is located in Chichen Itza. The solar calendar is based off of how many stairs are on this pyramid which is 365. 
• The Temple of the Inscription is in Palenque. This is Pacal-Kin's tomb and in 1952 there were a lot of priceless treasures found in the tomb. 
• Tikal is one of the largest Mayan cities that have been found. It is located in Guatemala and is surrounded by the rainforest.