The ancient culture and history of the Mayan civilization

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

12 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

05/05/2009

Category :

History & geography

Sub category :

Ancient history

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Summary :

Origins
Pre classical period
1. The Mayan religion
2. The Mayan astronomy
3. The Mayan calendar
The classical period
1. The Mayan architecture
2. The Mayan script
The post classical period
1. Post-classical developments
2. Spanish conquests
Conclusion
References

Abstract

The mayan civilization was a densely populated and highly advanced civilization that thrived in Mesoamerica from the second century B.C.E., until the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th Century B.C.E. They had their base in the Yucatan and spread over present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, western Honduras, El Salvador, and northern Belize.

The mayan civilization is remarkable because of their fully developed written language, advanced architecture, mathematical and astronomical systems, and cultural dynamism that made them one of the most advanced societies of the world during those times.

ORIGINS

There are many theories regarding how the Mayans initially established themselves. The problem stems from the fact that there are little historical records of this period, and most of what has passed down the ages remains myths and folklores.

One of the most popular theories is that nomadic hunter-gatherers, the ancestors of the Mayans crossed the Bering Strait at least 20,000 years ago. There exists evidence of settlements like corn cultivation, basic pottery and stone tools in Mexico during the period 5000-1500 BC that substantiate this claim.

Itzamna, one of the earliest leader of the Mayans and revered as a sun god in mythology probably led the first migrations from the Far East and settling down in the Gulf coast areas of Mexico. These first settlers probably established the Olmecs civilization that thrived in this area between 1500 B.C.E to 300 C.E., and became the pre-runners of the Aztecs, who were contemporaries of the Mayas.

A priest cum teacher named Kukulcan led a second migration from the west to Yucatan or more precisely the Soconusco region of the Pacific Coast, by around 1800 B.C.E. This migration established the first mayan settlements and Kukulcan became the founder of the mayan kingdom.