Mayan civilization was a Central American (Mesoamerican) civilization that covered one third of Central America. Mayan civilization is famous for its fully developed written language, striking art, huge architecture, and advanced mathematical and astronomical knowledge. These features came out of the Preclassic Period but reached their highest development in the Classic Period (250 to 900 AD). When it prospered (繁荣), it was one of the most densely populated and culturally active societies in the world.

Mayan civilization was not one single empire, but rather many separate city-states which had a common cultural background. Strangely, after the Classic Period, these cities stopped to be centers of importance. Mayan culture continued and still exists today but in a rural setting. One question that interests scholars is why these cities just disappeared. They were swallowed up by the tropical jungles. Travelers and scholars rediscovered them and have studied them only in the last two hundred years or so. In fact, scholars have debates about what happened, but some factors seem to be part of the explanation of why they disappeared.

Toward the end there was large-scale, continuous warfare among the city-states. The rulers were highly competitive and made fierce wars on one another. Another factor considered is overpopulation. Scholars indicate that the Mayan population reached up to 200 people per square kilometer, among the highest in the pre-industrial world. Overpopulation led to overuse of the tropical forest, the source of their food.

Research from the pollen (花粉) indicates that there was almost no tropical forest left. This led to damage to the environment of the area, further resulting in a lack of water and then drought. Thus warfare, overpopulation, overuse of resources, and destruction of the environment appear to be active factors involved in the disappearance of Mayan cities.

Arts and culture is lived and breathed in every corner of Canada. Due to a racial and immigrant population, the variety and richness of art and sports is very evident.

Since World War I, Canada has produced an impressive amount of writing. From novel to poetry, the selection is wide. Native writers are also becoming better known across Canada in recent years.

Musicians are reaching a higher level of recognition in the world music scene. Everything from country to pop, classical to heavy rock can be found across Canada and across the globe performed by Canadian artists.

Canadian photography as well as painting by Canadians is not well-known outside of Canada but recognition is increasing.

The National Film Board, a film crew in Canada, is the primary producer of movies in Canada. However, many Hollywood studios are turning to Canada as a source for locations and as an alternative to the more expensive US. Many well-known actors, directors, screen writers and movies come from Canada and often win international awards for their work.

French art was the first to appear in Canada along the St Lawrence in and around Quebec. Since then the amount of art and artists has increased.

Sport is a major part of today's society in Canada. Hockey is the most popular spectator sport with more participants taking part in curling. American style football and baseball are also very popular and all of these sports are played across Canada.

Plays are an important part of British culture. The West End theatre in London is the best place to watch a profession al play, but acting also takes place in every school and village hall across the country.

There are over 2,500 non-professional drama groups in the UK today and they are an active part of community life. People from all walks of life take on acting roles besides their regular jobs. They do it for fun, for the love of acting and as a way to meet new people.

Not everyone in a drama club is a skilled actor, but enthusiasm is considered to be more important than talent. Friends, family members and neighbours enjoy getting together to watch the final performance and telling the people they know “break a leg”. It’s a great way of bringing communities together. Also, in many rural parts of Britain, non-professional theatre is the only chance people have to see plays for miles around.

Many people get a taste for acting at school. Every school puts on a play at least once per year, usually at Christmas, and parents love coming to watch their children perform. Ask any British person and they’re sure to have happy memories of being in their school’s Christmas play, whether they played the role of Mary or Joseph or perhaps even a sheep or a donkey.

Another Christmas theatre tradition is the pantomime (童话剧). Pantomimes are a type of musical comedy for families. The audience is encouraged to participate in the performance-singing along with the music and shouting to the actors. Pantomimes are really fun to watch, especially for children.

British people love going to the theatre, professional or not, and many of them also enjoy performing. If you have the chance, go and see a play in the UK.