Maya Civilization: Achievements, Decline, and Mysteries

The Maya Civilization

The Maya were one of the most dominant indigenous societies of Mesoamerica. They were from a region that consisted of portions of Mexico, almost all Guatemala, the western part of Honduras, all of Belize, and the western part of El Salvador.

Development in Petén

- They attained their highest development in an area called Petén, which is a region of Guatemala, at the base of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Population Peak

- At its peak, the Maya population may have reached 2,000,000.

Characteristics

- They were established in the Pre-Classic period (2000 BC to AD 250) and were characterized by their many developments and discoveries.

- They demonstrated great abilities in architecture, sculpture, painting, mathematics, and astronomy.

- The Maya discovered the concept of zero, made accurate calendars with 365-day years, tracked cycles of the moon, sun, and planets.

- They invented a writing system, herbal medicine, and built hundreds of cities.

Tikal

- By 600 B.C., they built Tikal, the largest and most important ceremonial center, with hospitals, libraries, schools, and even sports arenas.

Religious Practices

- The Maya were deeply religious and worshiped various gods related to nature, including the gods of the sun, the moon, and rain.

- Researchers indicate the importance of torture and human sacrifice in their religious rituals.

Decline and Theories

- By the mid-20th century, a small portion of their system of hieroglyphic writing had been deciphered, and more about their history and culture became known.

- The decline of the Maya civilization has been a mystery debated for years. The reason for this mysterious decline is unknown, though scholars have developed several competing theories like overpopulation and overuse of the land, endemic warfare, and drought.

- These factors may have played a part in the downfall of the Maya civilization.