Mayan Society
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The Maya civilization, which flourished in Mesoamerica from about 2000 BCE to 900 CE, was one of the most advanced and sophisticated civilizations of the ancient world. The Maya people developed a written language, a complex system of mathematics, and an impressive knowledge of astronomy and architecture. They also built some of the most impressive cities in the ancient world, such as Tikal and Chichén Itzá.
The Rise of the Maya
The Maya civilization emerged in the Maya Mountains of what is now Guatemala and southern Mexico. The Maya people were originally hunter-gatherers, but they gradually adopted a settled lifestyle and began to cultivate crops such as maize, beans, and squash. By 2000 BCE, the Maya had developed a written language and a complex system of mathematics. They also began to build monumental architecture, such as the pyramids and temples that would become the hallmark of their civilization.
The Maya Golden Age
The Maya civilization reached its peak during the Classic period, which lasted from 250 to 900 CE. During this time, the Maya built some of their most impressive cities, including Tikal, Chichén Itzá, and Uxmal. They also developed a complex system of government and social organization, and they made significant advances in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture. The Maya Golden Age came to an end around 900 CE, when many of the major Maya cities were abandoned. The reasons for the collapse of the Maya civilization are unknown, but it is likely that a combination of factors, such as environmental change, warfare, and disease, played a role.
