Among indigenous American cultures the Maya emerge as undisputed masters of abstract knowledge, with a system of hieroglyphic writing that they used to record political and dynastic history. Their system of mathematics was an achievement not equaled for centuries in Europe. The 365-day Mayan year was so divided as to be more accurate than that of the Gregorian Calendar. Sculpture, used in architecture, reached a beauty and dignity unequaled in aboriginal America. Most of the population, estimated at 14 million in the 8th cent., lived in suburban agricultural communities.
Mayan history is divided into three periods.
Late in that period the calendar, chronology, and hieroglyphic writing developed. Today some 4 million Maya retain many elements of their culture combined with that of the conquistadors. Numerous Mayan-derived dialects are spoken, and agriculture and religious practices owe much to Mayan tradition. Yucatan during the equinox This page is under construction.