Cacao and maize
I can explain why cacao and maize were so important to the Maya.
Cacao and maize
I can explain why cacao and maize were so important to the Maya.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the tombs of Maya rulers, archaeologists have found decorated pots that once contained a special drink.
- This hot chocolate drink was made from roasting and boiling the fruit of a plant called cacao.
- The Maya took care preparing hot chocolate, frothing it carefully, because they believed it was a gift from the gods.
- Another crop that the Maya thought was sacred was maize; it was used to make flat pancakes called tortillas.
- The Maya believed that the gods tried for a long time to make humans, and only succeeded when they used maize to do so.
Common misconception
Cacao is the same as cocoa.
While they come from the same source, the cacao bean, there are differences in processing. Cacao generally refers to the raw or minimally processed form of the bean, while cocoa usually refers to the processed and roasted form.
Keywords
Cacao - the cacao plant is a South American tree with yellowish flowers and reddish brown seeds, which are used to make chocolate and cocoa
Maize - maize is another word for corn and is a tall-growing grain that produces yellow kernels on long ears
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
an ancient Maya city
a country in Mesoamerica
the belief in and worship of a god or gods
a religious ceremony where prescribed actions are performed
holy