Note 2: The Mayan Civilization (c.
2000 BCE – 1500 CE)
1. Introduction
The Mayan Civilization was one of the most sophisticated and influential civilizations of
Mesoamerica. It spanned over three millennia and was located in present-day Mexico,
Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The civilization reached its height during the
Classic Period (c. 250–900 CE) and is known for its art, architecture, mathematics, calendar
systems, and hieroglyphic script.
2. Geographical Extent
The Maya inhabited a wide region that included the northern lowlands in the Yucatán
Peninsula, the southern lowlands in northern Guatemala, and the highlands in the southern
parts of Guatemala and Chiapas. Despite the varied geography, they adapted well and
developed complex societies across all these regions.
3. Society and Politics
The Mayan society was hierarchical and organized into city-states, each ruled by a king.
These kings often claimed descent from gods and were central to religious and political life.
Nobility, priests, warriors, artisans, and farmers formed distinct social classes. Warfare was
frequent between city-states, often to gain control over trade routes, resources, or for ritualistic
purposes.
4. Major Cities
Key urban centers included Tikal, Palenque, Copán, Calakmul, and later Chichén Itzá and
Uxmal. These cities were centers of administration, religion, and trade. They featured
monumental architecture, including pyramids, palaces, and plazas. Some structures, like the
Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque and El Castillo at Chichén Itzá, remain iconic.
5. Achievements in Science and Art
The Maya developed a vigesimal (base-20) number system and understood the concept of
zero long before it appeared in Europe. They created accurate astronomical charts and could
predict solar and lunar eclipses. Their calendar system included the Long Count, Tzolk'in (ritual
calendar), and Haab' (solar calendar). These were used for both practical and religious
purposes.
In art, they excelled in carving, pottery, murals, and textiles. Hieroglyphic writing was used
extensively on stelae, ceramics, and codices (books made of bark paper), which chronicled
myths, rulers, and historical events.
6. Religion and Beliefs
Mayan religion was polytheistic and nature-based. Gods were associated with elements like
the sun, moon, maize, rain, and death. Rituals included offerings, dances, and sometimes
human sacrifices to appease the gods and ensure cosmic order. The Maya believed in cyclical
time and had a complex underworld called Xibalba.
Priests held significant power as they interpreted omens, performed ceremonies, and
maintained the calendar. Temples and pyramids were constructed to honor the gods and served
as ceremonial centers.
7. Decline
The decline of the Classic Maya in the southern lowlands occurred around the 9th century CE.
Several factors may have contributed: prolonged droughts, overpopulation, environmental
degradation, warfare, and social unrest. However, northern cities like Chichén Itzá continued to
flourish for several more centuries.
By the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, many Mayan cities were already
abandoned, though some continued to exist. The Spanish conquest led to further decline due to
warfare, diseases, and forced religious conversions.
8. Legacy
Despite the collapse of their great cities, the legacy of the Maya endures. Millions of people of
Mayan descent still live in Central America today, preserving elements of their language,
customs, and traditions. Archaeological discoveries continue to shed light on their advanced
culture. The deciphering of Mayan hieroglyphs in the 20th century has opened a new window
into understanding their complex civilization.
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