In the dense, tropical rainforest of the Yucatan Peninsula and the volcanic highlands of Guatemala, lie the ruined city- states of the once great civilisation. These city-states belonged to the Ancient Maya, a literate civilisation that thrived between three hundred BC and nine hundred AD. The Maya are famous for their colossal shrines which needed the following materials: stone, craftsmen, people and farms.

To support such a large workforce, the Mayans had to provide the vital resources that the people need: water,  shelter and food. To provide for citizens in non-agricultural jobs, the Maya like other civilisations, hunted and farmed extensively throughout their growth.

The farming technique used by the different city-states was dependant on where they were located: in the lowlands `slash and burn` was used extensively; in the highlands they would use the volcanic soil, which was full of nutrientious.

Although the Mayans used basic techniques; these methods were quite advanced. One of the key items they used was limestone, which was largely used because it was so common in the Yucatan.

An outline of limestone would have been carefully built up around the outside. Finally  a layer of stucco (a rough mixture of sand, clay and limestone ) would be applied and a layer of paint would be added.

The Maya enjoyed decorating their temple shrines as it made them feel as if they were honouring their king. Not only did the Mayan Temples need materials but also a huge workforce of people and there the vital resources to support this population.