"Morning all," Gabrielle greeted, sliding to sit on top of the desk and crossing her ankles. Possibly too relaxed, but at this point it wasn't as though anyone was really going to bother causing any issue. "One more big lecture, so pens and quills out and let's get through this as painlessly as possible." Gabrielle ignored the groans, giving the students a moment to get ready, before she began, occasionally pointing her wand at the board behind her to put some dot points on the board.
"So, continuing our theme of ancient civilizations and the remnants thereof, we're talking about the Mayan Ruins today. The Mayans were a highly intelligent people who built thriving cities, temples and pyramids. The ruins of these structures can be found in many places, mostly around South America - Mexico, Honduras, Guatamala, Belize, El Salvador. The remnants of these structures have been found to date back to around 2000 BC, and all the way to the year 869 AD. It was at this time that the Mayans suddenly stopped building. We know this as the buildings were often dated, but fewer and fewer appeared until the last in 869. And these buildings were built deep in the jungles, so they were quickly overgrown and made difficult to find by explorers. Initially. But now that archaeologists have found the ruins, what that leaves us with is trying to establish what caused the classic Maya Collapse and the fall of the empire, and why the structures were abandoned so suddenly. It is believed there was some political turmoil which brought about the end of the era. Mayan civilization continued on for many centuries after the fact, but without the prosperity signified by the grand cities and temples built in the classic era. The civilization itself was eventually brought under the heel of Spanish colonization, however many Maya people still live in the Yucatán Peninsula today."
Gabrielle cleared her throat. She was getting a bit off topic, and had to bring herself back on track. "I say the civilization continued, but perhaps I should clarify - the Maya people were not a homogenous empire all following the one leader. There was commonality in their beliefs and their artistic stylings, but they were a multitude of smaller 'states', essentially. They shared culture, but were not brought under one ruler, in comparison to perhaps the ancient Egyptian society." They hadn't really had the time to discuss ancient Egypt, but students who'd gone to muggle schools before attending Hogwarts would have likely learned some things. "For practicality, we refer to the time period I mentioned as the classic Mayan empire, signified by their architecture."
"Anyway, now you'll note that I mentioned the Mayans built many temples - the Maya people were highly religious. They believed the stars had spiritual significance - something that perhaps carries on to our studies of Astronomy and Divination, perhaps. Or that numbers had special meaning - and for the Arithmancers here, you'll be quite familiar with that, too, no doubt. Days and numbers were equated to gods." She paused, looking around the tired looking class with a slight smile. "But that's enough out of me for today. For homework I'd like you to write me a short essay on an ancient civilization of your choice. Tell me about the First Nations people of your home, perhaps, or maybe a country you find interesting. Ancient empires, classical dynasties, there's so much you could look into." Gabrielle was perhaps far more excited about it than any of the students were, but she couldn't help being passionate about the subject. "That's all for the day. Adiós!"
Homework
RP the lesson. Extra credit - an essay (1-2 paragraphs is all you need) on an ancient civilization of your choice. Please cite your sources!
"So, continuing our theme of ancient civilizations and the remnants thereof, we're talking about the Mayan Ruins today. The Mayans were a highly intelligent people who built thriving cities, temples and pyramids. The ruins of these structures can be found in many places, mostly around South America - Mexico, Honduras, Guatamala, Belize, El Salvador. The remnants of these structures have been found to date back to around 2000 BC, and all the way to the year 869 AD. It was at this time that the Mayans suddenly stopped building. We know this as the buildings were often dated, but fewer and fewer appeared until the last in 869. And these buildings were built deep in the jungles, so they were quickly overgrown and made difficult to find by explorers. Initially. But now that archaeologists have found the ruins, what that leaves us with is trying to establish what caused the classic Maya Collapse and the fall of the empire, and why the structures were abandoned so suddenly. It is believed there was some political turmoil which brought about the end of the era. Mayan civilization continued on for many centuries after the fact, but without the prosperity signified by the grand cities and temples built in the classic era. The civilization itself was eventually brought under the heel of Spanish colonization, however many Maya people still live in the Yucatán Peninsula today."
Gabrielle cleared her throat. She was getting a bit off topic, and had to bring herself back on track. "I say the civilization continued, but perhaps I should clarify - the Maya people were not a homogenous empire all following the one leader. There was commonality in their beliefs and their artistic stylings, but they were a multitude of smaller 'states', essentially. They shared culture, but were not brought under one ruler, in comparison to perhaps the ancient Egyptian society." They hadn't really had the time to discuss ancient Egypt, but students who'd gone to muggle schools before attending Hogwarts would have likely learned some things. "For practicality, we refer to the time period I mentioned as the classic Mayan empire, signified by their architecture."
"Anyway, now you'll note that I mentioned the Mayans built many temples - the Maya people were highly religious. They believed the stars had spiritual significance - something that perhaps carries on to our studies of Astronomy and Divination, perhaps. Or that numbers had special meaning - and for the Arithmancers here, you'll be quite familiar with that, too, no doubt. Days and numbers were equated to gods." She paused, looking around the tired looking class with a slight smile. "But that's enough out of me for today. For homework I'd like you to write me a short essay on an ancient civilization of your choice. Tell me about the First Nations people of your home, perhaps, or maybe a country you find interesting. Ancient empires, classical dynasties, there's so much you could look into." Gabrielle was perhaps far more excited about it than any of the students were, but she couldn't help being passionate about the subject. "That's all for the day. Adiós!"
Homework
RP the lesson. Extra credit - an essay (1-2 paragraphs is all you need) on an ancient civilization of your choice. Please cite your sources!