The Maya Calendar: Cause and Consequence

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

Worksheet Preview

Full preview • 8 questions

The Maya Calendar: Cause and Consequence

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
Name:
Date:
TeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizzTeachWhizz

Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to the Maya Calendar

Source A: Excerpt from a Maya codex:

'The Maya developed a complex calendar system that combined religious rituals with astronomical observations. Their calendar consisted of several cycles, including the Tzolk'in and Haab', which together formed the Calendar Round.'

Provenance: Ancient Maya codex, 9th century AD.

1.
Explain how the Maya calendar was developed and what its main features were. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the Maya calendar with another ancient calendar you know. What are the similarities and differences? (6 marks)
[6 marks]
B

Causes of the Development of the Maya Calendar

Source B: Maya astronomers at work:

'The Maya observed the movements of planets, stars, and the sun to create a calendar that could predict celestial events. This was vital for scheduling religious festivals and agricultural activities.'

Provenance: Archaeological reconstruction based on Maya inscriptions.

1.
Explain the reasons why the Maya developed such a detailed calendar system. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Analyse how the Maya's interest in astronomy influenced the development of their calendar. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
C

Consequences of the Maya Calendar

Source C: Maya inscriptions predicting eclipses:

'The Maya inscriptions accurately record astronomical phenomena, which allowed them to plan important events and rituals.'

Provenance: Inscriptions from a Maya temple, 8th century AD.

1.
Outline the consequences of the Maya calendar's accuracy for Maya society. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Analyse the impact of the Maya calendar on their astronomy and agriculture. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
D

Summary and Reflection

Reflect on how the development of the Maya calendar was both a cause and a consequence of their society's advancements in astronomy, religion, and agriculture. Consider how this complex calendar system affected their daily lives and worldview.

1.
Write a short paragraph explaining how the Maya calendar influenced their society and beliefs. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Analyse the importance of the Maya calendar's accuracy for their long-term planning and societal development. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

Quick Actions

What is Remix?

Create a new worksheet based on this one. Change the grade level, topic, number of questions, or difficulty - then generate a fresh version.

  • • Change grade level (Grade 6 → Grade 7)
  • • Swap topics (Harry Potter → Macbeth)
  • • Add more questions (10 → 15)
  • • Adjust difficulty

Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet