Maya civilization

Ancient Mesoamerican civilization

Map of the Maya 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

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

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

El Mirador, a major Preclassic Maya city

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

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

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

Chichen Itza, a major Maya city

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 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

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

Stela at Quiriguá