Articles
The Maya
Mayan civilization flourished in Mesoamerica, reaching its
zenith from c. 250 to 900 CE. Along with other pre-Columbian groups, the Mayans
developed a spectacular culture filled with art, architecture, mathematics, and
astronomy.
The Maya traded extensively with other civilizations like
the Aztec, Olmec, and Zapotec. Trade goods and information were shared widely.
The Mayans are notable for developing written language into an art form, a feat
not equaled by any other civilization in the area.
The first communities which can be clearly distinguished as
Mayan were established in 1800 B.C. These early people relied on agriculture
rather than the nomadic existence of hunter gatherers. They began to create
pottery and clay figurines, firing them for strength and durability.
By the Classic Era (circa 200 to 900 A.D.), Mayan art had
reached a complexity equal to that of the Greeks and Romans. Carvings, stucco
reliefs, and statues are all that are left. Often, traces of paint are found on
these artworks, hinting at their former richness and vitality.
The Mayans were capable of incredible architectural feats.
Pyramids and temples were erected, used as places of worship. Religious
ceremonies were often held on ceremonial platforms decorated with carvings,
altars, and other decorations. The elite of each city lived in large elaborate
palaces near the city center.
Perhaps the most important structures to the Maya were the
observatories. Here, the Maya would watch the heavens. They were superb
astronomers who watched the phases of the moon and the movement of planets like
Venus, seeking clues to life. They often used to calendars simultaneously Š a
365 day calendar, representing one full year, and a 260 day lunar calendar used
for ceremonial purposes. After centuries of observation, the Mayans were even
able to predict eclipses and other phenomena.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Mayan architecture
lies in the limited resources available to the people. Unlike other
civilizations, the Mayans had no draft animals, no carts, and no wheels. They
had no metal tools to work the stone, and no pulleys to push it into place.
Instead, the Mayan civilization relied on brute strength, quarrying local
limestone and finishing it with mortar.
While several writing systems have been developed in
Mesoamerica, the Mayans elevated writing to an art. It is called a
logo-syllabic writing system, and each syllabic symbol is important to
understanding. After the Spanish conquest, many who could read the ancient
texts were killed through war or disease. Scientists continue to decipher these
ancient texts, seeking a deeper understanding of Mayan life.
During the eight and ninth centuries, Mayan centers in the
South seem to have been abandoned. The reasons for this are unclear.
Overpopulation may have been a contributing factor. There is evidence of
possible environmental disaster at this time as well, possibly caused by a 200
year long drought. Whatever the reason, the southern centers were abandoned
although the northern centers persisted.
During the 15th and 16th century, the
Spaniards arrived. The subsequent conquest of Mesoamerican peoples was
devastating to the Mayan peoples, who put up fierce resistance. The Maya were
finally subdued in 1697.
Although many Maya were killed by war and disease, some
still survive to this day. They can still be found in the Yucat‡n Peninsula,
Belize, and Guatemala.
Mayan temple at Palenque.
Stucco relief from Palenque.
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