The Maya thrived for nearly 2,000 years. Without the use of the cartwheel or metal tools, a)_____________________________. They were accomplished scientists.

They also formulated a unique calendar with b)_________________as well as predict eclipses and other celestial events with great precision.

The Maya sought to understand the repetitive cycles of motions of the moon and planets, and thus to be able c)___________ on the sky in the future.

They invented a sophisticated number system, developed their own mathematics, using a base number of 20, and had a concept of zero. Mayan society was vibrant, d) _________________.

It was strictly hierarchical and deeply spiritual. Humans were sacrificed to appease the gods. In the ninth century, the Maya world was turned upside down. Many of the great centres like e) _______________.

Only a fraction of the Maya people survived to face the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. For decades, archaeologists f)______ .