Postcard From The Past BRADLEY TERLIZZI

Postcard from the Past
You will be creating a fictional account of a time traveler to one of the great empires of South America, the Maya, Inca, or Aztecs. As you read
about the civilization that you have chosen, you will have to take down information on what that culture was like and how the environment
looked in this civilization. Just like you would write a postcard to a friend so they could hang it on their refrigerator and see a beautiful
landscape, so too, will you be making a beautiful postcard. You will be doing the following: collecting information, doing one piece of
additional research, creating a rough sketch, and then creating a final postcard with a short anecdote about your trip!
Step 1: Collecting Information
Read the article linked on Schoology for the group you would like to work on. The assignment will be called: Postcard from the Past. As you
read, answer the following questions:
1. What experiences (food, events, celebrations) would a traveler to your chosen civilization have? List three of them, in detail!
a. Maize foods and cacao beverages: In Maya civilization, maize was a main part of their diet, and they used it in all kinds of
dishes, like tortillas and tamales. Another key food was cacao, which they drank as a frothy, bitter chocolate drink. It might be
an unexpected but delicious treat for any traveler!
b. Ball game also known as Pok-ta-Pok: Travelers might get to see the Mayan ball game, Pok-ta-Pok, which was played in a big
court with a rubber ball. The players had to hit the ball through stone hoops using only their hips. It wasn’t just a game,
though it had a lot of religious meaning and was really important to the Maya people.
c. Festivals honoring the gods: A visitor could experience grand religious festivals, such as those honoring the maize god or rain
god, Chaac. These celebrations included offerings, dances, and feasts in the heart of the city, drawing large crowds from the
Maya society.
2. What sites (landmarks, artwork) would a traveler see as they explored your chosen civilization?
a. Chichen Itza (Pyramid of Kukulkan): A traveler would marvel at the Pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza. This massive step
pyramid is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Maya. During the equinox, a shadow resembling a serpent appears
on the pyramid's side, a stunning sight.
b. Tikal Temple Complex: The Maya city of Tikal in modern-day Guatemala has grand temples that rise high above the
rainforest. Visitors would be in awe of these towering structures, which were used for both religious and ceremonial purposes.
c. Maya Stelae (stone monuments): Throughout the Maya civilization, carved stone monuments called stelae would catch the
traveler’s eye. These stelae were covered in hieroglyphs detailing the history of rulers and significant events.
Step 2: Additional Research

Look at the information that you are missing. Are there any gaps that you want to fill about your civilization? Create a question you want
answered about your civilization. Locate a reliable and trustworthy website or resource online. Use that site or resource to answer the question!
1. Question: What role did the Maya calendar play in their society?
2. Website or resource used to answer the question: National Geographic and Encyclopedia Britannica.
3. Answer your question: The Maya had a really intricate calendar system with two main types: the Tzolk'in, which had 260 days and
was used for religious events, and the Haab', a 365-day calendar for things like farming. The calendar wasn’t just for tracking time—it
played a huge role in their culture and religion. It helped them decide when to hold festivals, plant crops, and even go to war. They saw
time as cyclical, so the calendar was also a way for them to understand and predict what might happen in the future.
Step 3: Rough Sketch

Thinking of a beautiful picture from your civilization, draw a rough sketch of your front of the postcard. Thinking of an interesting
experience you may have had, write a rough draft of what you might write on the back of the postcard!
Hey from the Maya Empire!
I just got back from visiting Chichen Itza, and wow, the Pyramid of Kukulkan is even more amazing up close! It towers over everything,
especially with the sun shining down on it. After that, I watched this intense ball game where players used only their hips to hit the
ball—seriously impressive! The whole crowd was really into it.
Later on, I got to join a festival honoring the rain god. There was music everywhere, and we had some delicious maize dishes (so good!). The
culture here is just so rich, and I’m excited to see more!
Best wishes,
[Bradley Terlizzi]

Postcard From The Past BRADLEY TERLIZZI

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Postcard From The Past BRADLEY TERLIZZI

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Postcard from the Past

Step 1: Collecting Information

Step 2: Additional Research

Step 3: Rough Sketch

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