Maya-World
The Maya-world refers to the extensive and complex civilization of the Maya civilization, which thrived in parts of what is now Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras from approximately 2000 BC to 1500 AD. This civilization was known for its remarkable achievements in architecture, astronomy, mathematics, and art, making it one of the most sophisticated pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas.
Geographical Spread
The Maya-world encompassed a vast region, with the Yucatán Peninsula being one of its central areas. This civilization extended from the Pacific coast of Chiapas and Guatemala through the highlands of Guatemala to the northern lowlands, including parts of what is now the Mexican states of Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.
History and Development
- Preclassic Period (2000 BC - 250 AD): The Maya civilization began to flourish during this time, with early settlements, the development of agriculture, and the construction of monumental architecture.
- Classic Period (250 AD - 900 AD): This era saw the height of Maya culture with the construction of famous cities like Tikal, Palenque, and Copán. It was marked by political complexity, the use of writing, and advancements in sciences.
- Postclassic Period (900 AD - 1542 AD): After the Classic Maya collapse, new political centers emerged in the northern Yucatán, such as Chichen Itza and Mayapan. There was significant cultural exchange with other Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Aztec.
Cultural Highlights
- Writing and Language: The Maya developed a hieroglyphic writing system, one of the few fully developed writing systems of the pre-Columbian Americas. Their script was used for recording historical events, calendrical information, and religious texts.
- Architecture: Known for their stepped pyramids, palaces, and observatories, Maya architecture is characterized by its use of corbels and the creation of large ceremonial plazas.
- Astronomy and Mathematics: The Maya had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy, which influenced their calendar systems, including the famous Long Count calendar. They also developed a numeral system using base-20 (vigesimal) and were one of the few civilizations to understand the concept of zero.
- Art: Maya art includes intricate carvings, paintings, and pottery, often depicting scenes of daily life, mythology, and rulers.
Decline and Legacy
The reasons for the decline of the Classic Maya civilization are still debated, with theories including overpopulation, environmental degradation, warfare, and political collapse. However, Maya culture did not disappear; it transformed and adapted, continuing into the Colonial period and influencing modern-day descendants.
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