Maya peoples

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Maya peoples are an ethnolinguistic group of indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica. They inhabit southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Maya peoples are renowned for their highly developed writing system, as well as for their advancements in art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical systems.

History

The history of the Maya peoples can be divided into three periods: the Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic periods.

Preclassic Period

The Preclassic Period (2000 BC to 250 AD) saw the establishment of the first complex societies in the Maya region. The Maya peoples began to develop the sophisticated calendar systems and hieroglyphic writing that they would become famous for.

Classic Period

The Classic Period (250 AD to 900 AD) was the golden age of the Maya civilization. This period was marked by significant urbanization, the construction of monumental architecture, and the development of an intricate social and political order.

Postclassic Period

The Postclassic Period (900 AD to 1500s AD) was characterized by the decline of the major Classic Period city-states and the rise of new centers in the northern Yucatán Peninsula. This period ended with the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.

Culture

The Maya peoples have a rich and diverse culture, with traditions in art, architecture, food, language, and religion.

Art

Maya art is renowned for its sophistication and beauty. The Maya created a wide range of art forms, including sculpture, ceramics, wall paintings, and textiles.

Architecture

Maya architecture is notable for its grand scale and intricate detail. The Maya built impressive temples, palaces, ball courts, and pyramids, many of which are still standing today.

Food

The traditional diet of the Maya peoples includes maize, beans, squash, chili peppers, and cacao. The Maya are credited with the invention of chocolate.

Language

The Maya peoples speak a variety of Mayan languages, which are part of the larger Mayan language family.

Religion

The Maya religion is a complex polytheistic system with a pantheon of gods, rituals, and beliefs about the afterlife.

Modern Maya

Today, the Maya peoples continue to maintain their cultural traditions while also adapting to modern life. They contribute significantly to the cultural diversity and richness of their respective countries.

Food.jpg
This article is a stub related to food. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD