Mayan Mathematics and Architecture

The Golden Age of the Maya Civilization existed from around 250 B.C. to A.D. 800. Two particularly intriguing elements of the Maya civilization are mathematics and architecture. The Mayan number system used base 20. Numbers were represented by dots and bars. Also, the number system contained the number zero, a concept unknown to the Greek and Egyptian civilizations. Mayan architecture is a fascinating subject. The Maya built many ornate temples of great height. They put vaulted hollows inside the roof sections to reduce weight. The structures contained many chambers and rooms. Within the city of Tikal alone, there were 3,000 buildings and more than 200 monuments. In the Yucatan Puuc region there is evidence of great site planning and architecture techniques. The Puuc design—buildings faced with limestone, archways framed by round columns, and elite mosaics—is named after this area. Many of the designs contained figures such as turtles, gods, or humans.

This unit will help students understand and use the Mayan numerical system, compare and contrast the Mayan numerical number system to the Egyptian, Roman, and Babylonian numerical systems, and measure and calculate area, volume, and perimeter in a Mayan temple. Students will create a three-dimensional Mayan temple and design a Mayan temple replica on the computer

The lessons can be downloaded as a 50-page PDF from this site at the link below.

This unit is one of some three dozen web-based resources recommended by the Florida International University Latin American and Caribbean Center.

Download files for this resource:  MayanMathematicsandArchitecture


Keywords

Global Regions: Latin America

Countries: Mexico

Centers: Florida International University, Latin American and Caribbean Center

Recommended by: Florida International University, LACC

Length: 6 lessons covered in 3 weeks

Year Produced: 2000

Material: 50-page PDF