MAYAN MYSTERY: THEORY

5 A MOVE TO THE COAST

Made by ishwiinder
 DID THE MAYANS LIVE ON THE
COAST
the real ancient Maya were
just as war-prone as Aztecs
or Europeans and perfectly
comfortable on the sea.
Looking at the bones from
sites like Vista Alegre,
scientists now know the
ancient coastal Maya ate
healthier than their inland
compatriots, getting more
protein from sea life.
Some canoes may have even had
sails. Several Spanish chroniclers
describe seeing sails along the
coast—there are no images,
however, of sails among the
codices and murals of the Maya
themselves. Many local people
still build traditional boats and
even host international paddle
races, but it’s tough to know what
parts of these traditions are old and
which are new.
 WHY DID THE MAYANS MOVE TO
THE COAST
•in the southern lowlands,
including overpopulation,
environmental degradation,
warfare, shifting trade routes and
extended drought..
 HOW DID MAYANS MOVE AROUND
• Coastal Mayan groups used canoes to supply
inland groups with salt, dried fish, shells, and
pearls. The Mayans had no beasts of burden or
wheels to carry their heavy loads. Instead, trade
goods were transported on the backs of slaves
who traveled along well established routes.
•THANK YOU