Maya Civilization, The Progression of Mayan History
Maya Civilization history and cultural origins. From the commanding architecture, to the impressive formation of the Mayan Calendar and the fascinating religious traditions.
The Maya civilization is perhaps best know for its impressive and commanding architecture. Many Mayan ruins remain in the landscape of modern day Mexico.
The Mayan pyramids have now become popular tourist hot spots. Unlike many of the other advanced Mesoamerican civilizations though, the Maya have never disappeared, there are significant Maya populations and cultural communities in various areas of Mexico today.
The communities in Mayan culture live by distinct religious traditions and beliefs. There are also a variety of traditional Mayan languages (many of which are still regularly spoken).
The early Maya civilization developed significantly between the years of 250AD to 900AD. They implemented a developed written language form and made key advancements in mathematics.
Because of the close interaction between many of the Mesoamerican civilizations it is hard to pinpoint exactly who implemented specific strategies and ideas. The early Maya population however did made progress with the development of the Maya calendar which would later be further enhanced by the progression of Aztec History.
During the Pre-classic period it is thought that Maya areas were initially populated as far back as the 10th century BC. It was during the Classic period of 250-900 AD however that Maya art developed and the community advanced intellectually and artistically. During this time the Mayan culture built cities and a strong infrastructure based around agriculture and trade.
Population Changes within Mayan Culture
During the progression of Mayan history within the 9th and 10th centuries the population of Mayan culture decreased. We can only speculate however as to the reasons and factors why this decrease occurred.
The progress of the Maya civilization again began to flourish though, in the Post-classic period between the 10th and 16th centuries.
During this time the Mayan culture communities developed many sites in the Yucatan Peninsula and constructed iconic structures at Chichen Itza and Tulum. After Hernan Cortez and the Spanish arrived in Mexico however a series of hostilities and battles ensued.
It was common practice throughout Mayan history for the people to build and then rebuild upon their Mayan architectural structures.
The Maya pyramids and towering religious temples were of high importance to the Maya culture.
The rebuilding work created a fusion of styles and a layered effect which is evident amongst many of the Mayan ruin sites today.It is open to debate as to whether these rebuilds took place at set times according to the Maya calendar cycle, or whether the improvements were ordered when new rulers came into power. Like the Aztecs, the Maya practiced human sacrifice in accordance with their religious beliefs. It is thought that the Maya deemed there to be three main sections to the Universe; the earth, the underworld below and the heavens above. They also believed that the underworld could be reached through deep underground tunnels and caves.
