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1500 BCE
Development of agricultural practice (maize cultivation)
Maize cultivation dramatically changed the Maya’s trajectory, literally fueling the explosion of their society and culture. -
Period: 1500 BCE to 200 BCE
Preclassic Period
advancements in agriculture and urban development are known as the Maya’s Preclassic period -
800 BCE
Mayan Calendar System
The intricate calendar included three dating systems—one for the gods, one for civil life, and a third astronomical calendar known as the Long Count. The starting point of this third calendar was set at the legendary date of humans’ creation, corresponding to August 11, 3114 B.C. The Long Count calendar began a new cycle on December 21, 2012, leading to a myth that the world would end on that date. -
700 BCE
Astronomical Knowledge
The ancient Maya were avid astronomers, recording and interpreting every aspect of the sky. They believed that the will and actions of the gods could be read in the stars, moon, and planets, so they dedicated time to doing so, and many of their most important buildings were built with astronomy in mind. The sun, moon, and planets—Venus, in particular—were studied by the Mayan. -
600 BCE
Advancements in Mathematics
the use of zero and a base-20 number system -
300 BCE
Mayan Hieroglyphics
The Maya developed one of the most sophisticated writing systems in the ancient world, using hieroglyphs to record historical events, rituals, and astronomical observations. -
Period: 200 to 900
Classic period
The Maya civilization reached its peak, so did its architecture: the Maya refined its pyramid-like temples and grand buildings that appear to be palaces. -
300
Hierarchical Society
distinct social classes began to develop within Maya society, leading to a structured hierarchy that would become more pronounced in the following Classic period (250-900 CE). -
400
POK-TA-POK (Ball Game)
a significant cultural and religious activity in the Maya civilization -
750
Water Management Systems
The region of the Yucatan Peninsula has no natural water sources like streams, lakes, rivers, nor springs, so the Maya had to use ingenuity to figure out how to sustain large populations in this environment. They became excellent managers of rainwater, using massive systems of cisterns called chultuns to collect and store rainwater. -
750
Chichen Itza
one of the largest cities in the Mayan world, covering nearly two square miles with densely packed commercial, residential and other structures made of stone. -
Period: 900 to 1500
Postclassic Period
The Postclassic Period was marked by a series of changes that distinguished its cities from those of the preceding Classic Period. -
1000
Chocolates as Currency
The Maya civilization used cacao beans as a form of currency, showcasing the high value they placed on chocolate. Cacao beans were used as a medium of exchange for goods and services, highlighting their importance in Maya society. The practice of using cacao beans as currency dates back to the Preclassic Period (2000 BCE - 250 CE) and continued through the Classic Period (250 CE - 900 CE) and into the Postclassic Period (900 CE - 1500 CE).