Mayan historic timeline

First Long Count Calendar Date (c. 3114 BCE)

3114 BCE

The Maya created the Long Count calendar to track historical events over millennia, starting from a fixed point in time. This calendar became essential for understanding time, celestial events, and for recording significant events in Maya history. It was a revolutionary advancement in the way the Maya interacted with the cosmos.

Formation of Early Maya Villages (c. 2000 BCE)

2000 BCE

The Maya began transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities. This shift allowed them to grow crops like maize, beans, and squash, which led to population growth. Over time, these early villages evolved into more complex societies with growing trade networks.

Arrival of Spanish Conquistadors (1511 AD)

1459 BCE

In 1511, Spanish explorers began arriving on the Yucatán Peninsula, eventually leading to the Spanish conquest of Maya territories. Initially, the Maya resisted, but over time, diseases, warfare, and betrayal eroded their power. The arrival of the Spanish ushered in a new era of colonization and the eventual downfall of Maya civilization.

Development of Maya Writing System (c. 1000 BCE)

1000 BCE

The Maya developed one of the most complex writing systems in Mesoamerica, consisting of over 800 glyphs. This hieroglyphic script was used to record historical events, astronomical data, and religious texts. It laid the foundation for future documentation and helped preserve Maya culture for centuries.

The Rise of Chichen Itza (c. 900 AD)

899 BCE

Chichen Itza rose to prominence in the Postclassic period, becoming a dominant city-state in the northern lowlands. Its strategic location made it a key player in regional trade and politics, and it became a melting pot of different Mesoamerican cultures. The city's architecture, including El Castillo, reflects its importance in Maya civilization during this era.

Collapse of the Classic Maya Cities (c. 750–900 AD)

800 BCE

Many Maya cities in the southern lowlands experienced a gradual collapse during the late Classic period. This collapse was likely caused by a combination of environmental stress, warfare, and societal upheavals. While some cities, like Chichen Itza, survived, the region saw a significant decline in urbanization and monumental construction.

Construction of Chichen Itza's Great Ball Court (c. 800 AD)

799 BCE

Chichen Itza’s Great Ball Court is one of the largest and most elaborate ball courts in the Maya world. The ball game was a central part of Maya religious and political life, and the court’s size reflects Chichen Itza’s importance during the Postclassic period. This structure symbolizes the city's power and its role as a cultural hub in the northern Yucatán.

Founding of Nakbé (c. 750 BCE)

750 BCE

Nakbé became one of the first major Maya cities, with large-scale construction projects like monumental pyramids. Its rise marked the beginning of urbanization and political organization in the Maya region. The city played a pivotal role in the early Classic period, setting the stage for future city-state developments.

Construction of the Palace of the Governor at Uaxactún (c. 700 AD)

699 BCE

The Palace of the Governor in Uaxactún was a major architectural project that reflected the city’s political importance. Uaxactún was closely linked with Tikal, and its rulers played key roles in Maya diplomacy and warfare. This palace serves as a symbol of the Maya elite’s authority and their administrative and ceremonial capabilities.

Battle of the Great Ceiba (c. 695 AD)

695 BCE

The Battle of the Great Ceiba marked a pivotal shift in Maya power dynamics, with Calakmul defeating Tikal. The victory solidified Calakmul’s dominance over the Maya region and weakened Tikal’s influence for decades. This battle exemplified the intense political rivalries that characterized Maya civilization during the Classic period.

Rise of El Mirador (c. 600 BCE)

605 BCE

El Mirador was one of the earliest and largest Maya cities, with extensive urban planning and large pyramidal structures. The city’s growth signifies the Maya's increasing architectural and societal complexity. El Mirador's development influenced many later Maya city-states in the lowlands.

The Formation of Maya City-States (c. 250 BCE)

250 BCE

During this period, the Maya began organizing into independent city-states, each ruled by a divine king. These city-states, such as Tikal, Uaxactún, and Calakmul, often engaged in political alliances and rivalries. The rise of city-states marked the beginning of the Classic Maya period, which lasted for several centuries.

The Construction of the City of Calakmul (c. 250 AD)

248 BCE

Calakmul was built as a major rival to Tikal and became one of the most powerful cities in the Maya lowlands. Its political influence extended across a large territory, often engaging in conflicts with other city-states like Tikal. The city was strategically located, allowing it to control trade routes and resources.

Construction of the Temple of the Great Jaguar at Tikal (c. 250 AD)

249

Tikal’s Temple I, also known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar, was built as a tomb for one of its rulers. This structure is a symbol of Tikal’s immense power and influence during the early Classic period. The construction of such monumental buildings showcased the city's architectural and engineering advancements.

The Rise of Tikal as a Major Power (c. 300 AD)

300

Tikal began to dominate the Maya lowlands during the early Classic period, establishing itself as a powerful city-state. Its strategic location and strong leadership allowed it to exert influence over nearby regions. Tikal’s political strength would shape Maya politics and warfare for centuries.

The Coronation of the Great King K'inich Janaab' Pakal (c. 615 AD)

615

K'inich Janaab' Pakal ascended to the throne of Palenque at a young age and ruled for over 60 years. Under his leadership, Palenque flourished, constructing some of its most famous monuments and temples, including the Temple of Inscriptions. Pakal’s reign is remembered for its cultural and artistic achievements, cementing his status as one of the Maya's greatest rulers.

The Construction of El Castillo at Chichen Itza (c. 1000 AD)

999

El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcán, was built to honor the feathered serpent god Kukulcán and to demonstrate Maya astronomical knowledge. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow cast by the building creates the illusion of a serpent descending the staircase. This architectural feat illustrates the Maya’s sophisticated understanding of both religion and the cosmos.

The Fall of Mayapan (c. 1450 AD)

1449

Mayapan, the last major independent Maya city, fell to internal strife and external pressures around 1450 AD. Its collapse marked the end of a powerful city-state and the fracturing of Maya political unity in the region. The city’s decline paved the way for the eventual Spanish conquest of the Yucatán Peninsula.

The Fall of Nojpetén (1524 AD)

1513

Nojpetén was the last independent Maya city, located in the Petén Basin. Its fall in 1524 marked the final end of Maya political autonomy as it was conquered by Spanish forces under Martín de Urzúa. The fall of Nojpetén symbolized the collapse of the Maya civilization’s city-state structure.

Destruction of the Codices (16th century)

1599

During the Spanish conquest, many Maya codices were destroyed by Catholic priests who sought to eradicate indigenous religious practices. These codices contained crucial historical, astronomical, and cultural knowledge, and their destruction led to the loss of much ancient wisdom. The burning of these texts was part of the larger effort to erase Maya heritage under colonial rule.