Maya civilization: Difference between revisions
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'''Maya civilization''' was a | {{short description|Ancient Mesoamerican civilization}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
[[File:Maya_civilization_location_map_-_geography.svg|Map of the Maya civilization|thumb|right]] | |||
The '''Maya civilization''' was a Mesoamerican civilization developed by the Maya peoples, noted for its hieroglyphic script—the only known fully developed writing system of the 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. | |||
==Geography== | |||
The Maya area is generally divided into three zones: the [[Maya Highlands]], the [[Maya Lowlands]], and the [[Pacific Coast]]. The Lowlands are further divided into the southern and northern lowlands. The southern lowlands include the Petén Basin, while the northern lowlands include the Yucatán Peninsula. | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The history of | The history of Maya civilization is divided into three principal periods: the [[Preclassic period]], the [[Classic period]], and the [[Postclassic period]]. | ||
===Preclassic Period=== | |||
The Preclassic period (c. 2000 BC to 250 AD) saw the first development of Maya culture and the establishment of the first Maya cities. During this time, the Maya began to build monumental architecture and develop their distinctive art and writing systems. | |||
===Classic Period=== | |||
[[File:El_Mirador_5.jpg|El Mirador, a major Preclassic Maya city|thumb|left]] | |||
The Classic period (c. 250 to 900 AD) was the peak of Maya civilization, characterized by the construction of monumental architecture, the development of city-states, and the flourishing of art and writing. Major cities such as [[Tikal]], [[Calakmul]], and [[Copán]] dominated the landscape. | |||
===Postclassic Period=== | |||
The Postclassic period (c. 900 to 1500 AD) saw the decline of the southern lowland cities and the rise of new centers in the northern lowlands, such as [[Chichen Itza]] and [[Uxmal]]. This period was marked by increased trade and interaction with other Mesoamerican cultures. | |||
==Society== | ==Society== | ||
Maya society was highly | Maya society was highly stratified, with a ruling class of nobles and kings, a class of priests, and a large population of commoners. The Maya were skilled farmers, weavers, and potters, and they engaged in extensive trade networks. | ||
==Religion== | ==Religion== | ||
The | The Maya religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods related to nature and the cosmos. Rituals and ceremonies were an integral part of Maya life, often involving offerings, sacrifices, and elaborate ceremonies. | ||
== | ==Architecture== | ||
[[File:Chichen_Itza_3.jpg|Chichen Itza, a major Maya city|thumb|right]] | |||
Maya architecture is renowned for its pyramids, palaces, and ceremonial platforms. The Maya built their cities with a central plaza surrounded by temples and palaces. Notable architectural achievements include the [[Temple of the Inscriptions]] at [[Palenque]] and the [[Temple of the Jaguar]] at [[Tikal]]. | |||
== | ==Writing and Calendar== | ||
The | The Maya developed a complex writing system using hieroglyphs, which they used to record historical events, astronomical data, and religious texts. The Maya calendar was highly accurate and consisted of several interlocking cycles, including the [[Tzolk'in]] and the [[Haab']]. | ||
==Art== | |||
Maya art is characterized by its intricate carvings, murals, and pottery. The Maya created detailed sculptures and stelae, often depicting rulers and deities. Their art was both religious and political, serving to legitimize the power of the ruling class. | |||
==Collapse== | |||
The collapse of the Classic Maya civilization is a complex and debated topic. Factors such as environmental degradation, warfare, and social upheaval are believed to have contributed to the decline of the southern lowland cities. | |||
==Legacy== | ==Legacy== | ||
The legacy of the Maya civilization is evident in the | The legacy of the Maya civilization is evident in the modern-day descendants of the Maya people, who continue to inhabit the region and maintain many aspects of their traditional culture. | ||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Aztec civilization]] | |||
* [[Inca Empire]] | |||
* [[Olmec civilization]] | |||
* [[Mesoamerica]] | |||
[[File:QuiriguaStela1.jpg|Stela at Quiriguá|thumb|left]] | |||
{{ | {{Mesoamerican civilizations}} | ||
[[Category:Maya civilization]] | [[Category:Maya civilization]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Ancient peoples]] | ||
[[Category:Pre-Columbian cultures]] | [[Category:Pre-Columbian cultures]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:53, 23 March 2025
Ancient Mesoamerican civilization
The Maya civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization developed by the Maya peoples, noted for its hieroglyphic script—the only known fully developed writing system of the 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.
Geography[edit]
The Maya area is generally divided into three zones: the Maya Highlands, the Maya Lowlands, and the Pacific Coast. The Lowlands are further divided into the southern and northern lowlands. The southern lowlands include the Petén Basin, while the northern lowlands include the Yucatán Peninsula.
History[edit]
The history of Maya civilization is divided into three principal periods: the Preclassic period, the Classic period, and the Postclassic period.
Preclassic Period[edit]
The Preclassic period (c. 2000 BC to 250 AD) saw the first development of Maya culture and the establishment of the first Maya cities. During this time, the Maya began to build monumental architecture and develop their distinctive art and writing systems.
Classic Period[edit]
The Classic period (c. 250 to 900 AD) was the peak of Maya civilization, characterized by the construction of monumental architecture, the development of city-states, and the flourishing of art and writing. Major cities such as Tikal, Calakmul, and Copán dominated the landscape.
Postclassic Period[edit]
The Postclassic period (c. 900 to 1500 AD) saw the decline of the southern lowland cities and the rise of new centers in the northern lowlands, such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal. This period was marked by increased trade and interaction with other Mesoamerican cultures.
Society[edit]
Maya society was highly stratified, with a ruling class of nobles and kings, a class of priests, and a large population of commoners. The Maya were skilled farmers, weavers, and potters, and they engaged in extensive trade networks.
Religion[edit]
The Maya religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods related to nature and the cosmos. Rituals and ceremonies were an integral part of Maya life, often involving offerings, sacrifices, and elaborate ceremonies.
Architecture[edit]
Maya architecture is renowned for its pyramids, palaces, and ceremonial platforms. The Maya built their cities with a central plaza surrounded by temples and palaces. Notable architectural achievements include the Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque and the Temple of the Jaguar at Tikal.
Writing and Calendar[edit]
The Maya developed a complex writing system using hieroglyphs, which they used to record historical events, astronomical data, and religious texts. The Maya calendar was highly accurate and consisted of several interlocking cycles, including the Tzolk'in and the Haab'.
Art[edit]
Maya art is characterized by its intricate carvings, murals, and pottery. The Maya created detailed sculptures and stelae, often depicting rulers and deities. Their art was both religious and political, serving to legitimize the power of the ruling class.
Collapse[edit]
The collapse of the Classic Maya civilization is a complex and debated topic. Factors such as environmental degradation, warfare, and social upheaval are believed to have contributed to the decline of the southern lowland cities.
Legacy[edit]
The legacy of the Maya civilization is evident in the modern-day descendants of the Maya people, who continue to inhabit the region and maintain many aspects of their traditional culture.
Related pages[edit]
