The Mayan Civilization

The Mayan civilization is one of the most important ancient cultures in the world. At its height, it occupied the region covering present-day Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, eastern and southern Mexico as well as western Honduras. Believed to have existed more than 4,000 years ago, Mayan history can be categorized into three time periods: Preclassic (2000 BC to 250 AD), Classic (250 AD to 900 AD), and Postclassic (900 AD to 1700 AD). During the Classic period, the Mayan civilization flourished when city-states like Altun-Ha, Calakmul, Copán, Dos Pilas, Palenque, and Tikal urbanized. Most of the monumental pyramids, temples, palaces, and sculptures were built in this period. Other than their architecture achievements, the Mayan civilization was also known for its highly developed art, astronomy, language, and mathematics. After the Spanish conquest in the 17^th century, the Mayan civilization went into full decline. Today, Mayans are living in the shadows of colonization, far removed from their glory days.

• Maya Civilization: Past & Present

• Maya

• Rapid Climate Change and the Collapse of the Maya Civilization

• Maya: A History of the Mayans

Technology

While they were not really known for major industrial technological innovations, the Mayans developed some technological innovations in the areas of ceramics, medicine, numerals, pigment-making, tools, and textiles. Since the Mayans placed attached cultural importance on their dressing, the making of elite Mayan ceremonial costumes required a certain level of expertise.

• Mayan Technology

• Maya Pigments

• Mayan Medicine

• Mayan Textiles

Writing

The Mayans developed full script which was widely used from 3^rd century BC up to the 16^th century AD. Consisting of glyphs, Mayan writings can be found on ceramics, walls, stone or wood carvings, and stuccos. Deciphering Mayan emblem glyphs can be quite a challenge.

• Maya Hieroglyphic Writing

• Glyphs

• The Art of Maya Hieroglyphic Writing

Shelter

Shelters in ancient Mayan society were distinguished by status. The elites lived in stone abodes while farmers lived in huts made of hay and wood.

• Traditional Maya House

• Identification of Ancient Maya Houses

Astronomy

Ancient Mayans were advanced astronomers. Some evidence point to their amazing ability to divine that the Orion Nebula is fuzzy, without using a telescope. They were also highly engrossed with zenial passages.

• Maya Astronomy

• The Dresden Codex

• A New View on Maya Astronomy

Art

Mayan art began as early as the Preclassic period, blossoming during the Classic period and beyond. Showing traces of Teotihuacan and Toltec influences, Mayan art is evident in architecture, ceramics, sculpture, painting, and writing. Decorated pottery depicting graphical mythological scenes were popular among the elites.

• Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya

• Photo Archive of Maya Art

• Halloween Costumes

• Ancient Mayan Art

Religion

As an agriculture-based society, the Mayans were highly religious. Their principal gods are Bolon Tzacab, Chac, Itzamná, and Kukulcán. Ancient Mayans were also known to engage in human sacrifices and divination. Temple-pyramids were their places of worship.

• Maya Gods

• The Maya Pantheon

• Maya Religion

Calendar

The Mayan calendar is comprised of a sophisticated system of calendars and almanacs. The central calendar known as the Tzolkin has 260 days. Another calendar called Haab has 365 days. These two calendars can be combined to synchronize the Calendar Round, which lasts for 52 Haabs.

• Maya Calendar

• Maya Calendar Tools

• Mayan Calendar