Mayan Culture: A Look into an Ancient Civilization

Origin

Originating in the Yucatan Peninsula around 2000 BC, the Mayan culture is one of the oldest cultures in the world. . They are present in modern-day Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras,  Belize,  El Salvador. The civilization thrived between 250 and 900 AD, known as the Classic Period.

Lifestyle

The Mayan population included mainly builders, traders, and farmers. They cultivated squash, maize, and beans and were responsible for making immensely monumental palaces and pyramids. They were also responsible for making a hieroglyphic writing and calendar system. 

Family and Beliefs

A core component of Mayan culture is family, and extended families were a commonality. Traditions were passed from parent to child. Girls learned mainly weaving and cooking while boys were taught skills such as hunting and farming. Families arranged marriages usually in order to strengthen economic and social standing. 

The Mayans believed in a pantheon of gods related to nature and astronomy. They practiced rituals, including bloodletting

The Mayans believed in nature and astrology gods. Their rituals included human sacrifices and bloodletting for the gods. Their burial practices were complex, and they believed in an afterlife.  

Arts

Mayans were crafted in painting, scultping, and pottery. Stelae were their complex carvings on stone mountains. 

Artifacts such as tools, jewelry, and pottery were uncovered by archaeologists.

The Decline

Around 9th century, Mayan civilization began to decline. Warfare, social unrest, and environmental degradation were all factors. When the Spanish came, cities were already deserted. The Mayan culture continues to be of fascination, and more history and studies continue to be conducted to learn about this interesting culture. 

[All images courtesy of wikipedia]