history of the Mayan empire

Archaic Period

7000 BCE

The Archaic Period of the Mayas was the hunter-gather period. This is where they strived towards Crops such as beans, veggies, and maize were also seen in this time. The Mayans used a slash-and-burn agriculture technique which harnessed irrigation channels to clear dense forests. There was also the domestication of animals such as dogs and turkeys. (7000 BCE - 2000 BCE)

Mayan "Creation of World"

3114 BCE

On the Mayan calendar, they believe this year was the creation of the world. They believe in certain creators/deities. For example, the Feathered Serpent. This deity represents rain, science, agriculture, etc. It was also found in the Aztecs history as well.

Mayan Culture

2600 BCE

At this point in time, part of the ancient Maya culture was they buried their dead ancestors/family members individually under homes being built. Why? It was a sign of respect to their deceased love ones and they believed it kept their souls alive. It was a very common practice.

Olmec Period

1200 BCE

This period was where we saw the Mayas stone age appear and their first cities. These cities are known as San Lorenzo and La Venta. Both of these cities are known for the most culture and were very large. Archeologist are still discovering more things about these Mayan stone age cities. (1200 BCE - 300 BCE)

Palenque and Tikal cities are abandoned

900 BCE

Historians believe the collapse of these cities were overpopulation and agrarian failure. In Palenque, there was a drought and power disputes among growing noble classes. Both fell about 100 years apart from each other but Palenque was abandoned first. (800 CE - 900 CE)

Tomb of Mayan King

700 BCE

In 700 BCE, one of the first Mayan tombs were constructed. This tomb was for the Mayan King K'utz Chman of Retalhuleu in Guatemala. Tombs were usually buried with artifacts, murals, and inscriptions to shed light on the culture.

Zapotec Period

600 BCE

In this period is where archeologists believe the frist writing, mathematics, and astronomy were found. Since the creation of these, the first Mayan calandar was made. It is a 365 day solar calendar made up of 18 months and 20 days each. It was pretty complex.

First named Copan K'inich Yax K'uk Mo reign

437 BCE

This time period was the first reign of a ruler in Copan. He made the most cultural and politcal movement in Copan and for Mayans in general. Mo's left a legacy of groundwork for future rulers and promote cultural richness. (426 CE - 437 CE)

Contact between Teotihucan and Tikal

378 BCE

During the year 379 BCE, there was an intrustion from Teotihuacan to Tikal because of newly founded dynasties and served by ancesteral cults. These dynasties invaded the city of Teotihucan and messed with their society.

Mayan Copan founding

331 BCE

The Copan was a city and is located in the western Honduras near the Guatemalan border. It's known for its impressive architecture and hieroglyphic inscriptions. Things included in this city are: a hieroglyphic stairway, ballgame courts, stelae and alters.

Traditional Taxchilian founding

320 BCE

The major city of Yaxchilan is located on the Usumacinta river in the Yucatan peninsula. This area was important to the Late Classic Maya period. There was an impressive architecture and sculpture sites but unfortunatley, the city suffered severe damage from warfare, erosion by floods over centuries.

Government was formed

300 BCE

The Mayans used a monarchy style government. Just like Britain, they have kings and queens. Each Mayan city was controlled by a dynasty of kings and usually the position was inherited by the oldest son. The king was called "Halach Uinic" and the queen was called "Yohl Ik'nal".

Classic Mayan Period

250 BCE

The classic period of the Mayan period was actually the height of this civilization. We see this in the cities of Chichen Itza, Palenque, Tikal, Copan and Uxmal. Agriculture flourished which resulted in higher life expectancy and the population reached 2 million at this point. There was also a height in artistic development and large scale construction. Overall urbonizing instead of building in the country. (250 BCE - 950 BCE)

Teotihuacan Period

200 BCE

The city, Teotihican, is located in the Basin of Centeral Mexico and was the largest and most influencial Mayan city. It had 2 gigantic pyramids and lots of art, religion, and amazing architecture. It covered 8 square miles and housed 125k-200k residents. This period was basically the formation of the city. (200 BCE - 900 BCE)

Chacchoben city built

700

The city and temple of Chacchoben is built in 700 CE. Chacchoben is very notable for its well preserved ruins and temples. There are large stone platforms and pyramid structures and is a very popular destiation for tourists. It is surrounded by the jungle and was technically in the Late Classic period.

Pok-a-Tok is developed

900

Pok-a-Tok was a classic game in the Maya culture created in 250 CE and went until the year 950 CE. It origonated in the great city of El Tajin. The game was basically a ball game and it was 2 teams trying to keep a heavy rubber ball in the air by using their hips, thighs, and forearms. On the other side of it, it has a cultural significance. Sometimes the winning team would be a sacrafice as a religous thing. The winning team would be celebrated and the talk of the town.

Spanish invasion

1524

In the Post-Classic Period, the Spanish conquerors invaded a majority of Mayan cities which lead to surrender or abandonment. Another cause was the Spanish carried deadly sicknesses when they invaded, so lots of Mayans died or were weakenend by these diseases. This war was called The Battle of Utatlan. (1524 CE)

Burning books and images

Jul 25, 1562

Diego de Landa, the Bishop of the Yucatan, burns books and images of the Maya civilization outside a church. Why? They thought it might harm the Indians in matters of religon. Mostly, they just wanted to eliminate the Mayan practices and religon.

Civilization discovery

1840

The Mayan was discovered by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood. These men document and record the Mayan ruins. The Mayan ruins are very popular still today and some are still standing. Mostly in Mexico and the Yucatan Penisula.

Mayan Noble Peace Prize

1992

In 1992, the first Mayan woman, Rigoberta Menchu won a peace prize for her work for the rights of indigenous people and reconciliation between ethnic groups. She spent her childhood helping with her family's agriculture work and worked on coffee plantations. I think it's so cool how the ancient group of Mayans are still around today and still have their ancient practices.