Use the interactive map below to understand exactly when and where the Maya lived. The Maya were native to a place we call “Mesoamerica,” which refers to the area of modern-day Mexico and Central America.

This activity might not be viewable on your mobile device. Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required.

Source: The Sport of Life and Death, The Mesoamerican Ballgame, National Endowment for the Humanities & The Mint Museum of Art

As you view the interactive map, slide the skull at the bottom along the timeline to see how the various Indian cultures of Mesoamerica rose and fell. Do you recognize any of the other Indian civilizations? Around what year did the Maya civilization fall? Make special note of when the Europeans first arrived in this part of the world!