Pc324676

Maya Timeline

By mgreve22
  • 2000 BCE

    mathematics

    mathematics
    One of the major cultural advances made by the Maya was the creation of mathematics and astronomy. The Maya made a mathematical system based on the number 20, instead of 10 as in the decimal system. People think this number system was created around the time of 2000 BC.
  • 1800 BCE

    Mayan Gods

    Mayan Gods
    The Maya worshiped a corn god, a rain god known as Chac, a sun god called, Kinich Ahau, and a moon goddess called, Ix Chel. Each one of these gods represented a major part in Mayan life. They had these gods since the beginning of their civilization in about 1800 BC
  • 250

    Architectural Influence

    Architectural Influence
    During the first 300 years of the Classic Period, or around 300-900 A.D, the city of Teotihuacan, or present-day Mexico City, had a strong influence on Mayan art and architecture, politics, and trade. This is what made Mayans similar to the Aztecs. In the end then some of the Mayan structures looked like Aztec structures.
  • Period: 250 to Jan 1, 900

    Classical Period

    The Maya civilization was at its best time from about A.D. 300 to 900. In that time, it was knows as the Classic Period. It was centered in the tropical rain forest of the lowlands of what is now northern Guatemala. Many of the major Mayan cities, like Piedras Negras, Tikal, and Uaxactun, were made in this area.
  • 426

    Family Rulers

    Family Rulers
    Modern scholars know that generations of a single family ruled for hundreds of years. At Copán, for example, carved figures on a large stone altar record a series of 16 kings from a single family. Apparently they ruled the city from A.D. 426 to A.D. 810.
  • Jan 1, 700

    Peak of Civilization

    Peak of Civilization
    700 AD was a great time for the Mayans. During 700 AD was the time that they were the most prosperous, or rich. People were very confused when they began to abandon their civilization soon after this abundant time for them.
  • Period: Jan 1, 800 to Jan 1, 900

    Abandoning of the First Cities

    Then, beginning in the 800 AD, the Maya stopped erecting stelae in city after city. They abandoned their major centers in the Guatemalan lowlands one by one and finally left most of the lowland regions, and by 900 AD, their civilization had collapsed. Many scholars are still looking for the cause of this downfall of the Mayans.
  • Jan 1, 900

    The New Civilization

    The New Civilization
    The Postclassic Period began about 900 AD. This was after the Maya abandoned their cities in the Guatemalan lowlands. Some Maya moved north to build new cities in the lowlands of Yucatán.
  • Period: Jan 1, 900 to Jan 1, 1200

    New Government and Cities

    Between 900 AD and 1200 AD, Chichén Itzá, and Yucatán, grew to be the largest and most powerful Mayan cities. They were both governed by a council of nobles. This was unlike the Mayan cities of the Classic Period, which each had a single ruler.
  • Jan 1, 1200

    Main City Replaced

    Main City Replaced
    When Chichén Itzá declined around 1200 AD. Mayapan replaced it as the chief Mayan city. Although Mayapan never became as powerful as Chichén Itzá used to be, it controlled much of Yucatán for another 200 years.