Mayans

The Maya civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization developed by the Maya peoples, and noted for its logosyllabic script—the most sophisticated and highly developed writing system in pre-Columbian Americas—as well as for its art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical system. The Maya civilization developed in an area that encompasses southeastern Mexico, all of Guatemala and Belize, and the western portions of Honduras and El Salvador.

History

The history of the Maya civilization is divided into three principal periods: the Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic periods. The Preclassic period (c. 2000 BC to 250 AD) saw the first complex societies in the Maya region, and the rise of the first major cities. The Classic period (c. 250 to 900 AD) was the era of the great city-states such as Tikal, Calakmul, and Copán, and is considered the height of Maya civilization. The Postclassic period (c. 900 to 1697 AD) saw the decline of the great city-states and the rise of new centers such as Chichen Itza and Mayapan.

Preclassic Period

The Preclassic period is characterized by the emergence of the first large-scale ceremonial centers and the development of the first complex societies in the Maya region. The earliest Maya settlements date to around 2000 BC, and by 1000 BC, the Maya had developed a complex society with large ceremonial centers such as Nakbe and El Mirador.

Classic Period

The Classic period is marked by the rise of the great city-states and the development of the Maya script. This period saw the construction of monumental architecture, including pyramids, palaces, and ball courts. The Maya developed a complex calendar system and made significant advances in mathematics and astronomy.

Postclassic Period

The Postclassic period saw the decline of the great city-states and the rise of new centers such as Chichen Itza and Mayapan. This period was marked by increased trade and interaction with other Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Toltecs and the Aztecs.

Culture

The Maya civilization was known for its art, architecture, and complex social and political systems. The Maya developed a highly sophisticated writing system, which was used to record historical events, religious texts, and astronomical data.

Writing and Language

The Maya script is a logosyllabic writing system that was used to write the Mayan languages. It is one of the most sophisticated writing systems in the pre-Columbian Americas and was used to record a wide range of information, from historical events to religious texts.

Art and Architecture

Maya art is characterized by its intricate detail and use of vibrant colors. Maya architecture is known for its monumental structures, including pyramids, palaces, and ball courts. The Maya also developed a complex system of urban planning, with cities laid out in a grid pattern.

Religion

The Maya religion was polytheistic and involved the worship of a large pantheon of gods and goddesses. The Maya believed in a cyclical nature of time and had a complex calendar system to track religious and astronomical events.

Also see

• Aztec civilization
• Inca civilization
• Olmec civilization
• Mesoamerican chronology
• Mayan languages