| Mayan civilization represented one of the most advanced civilizations in the western hemisphere before the arrival of Europeans. The Maya lived in the region that is now eastern and southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and western Honduras. Beginning circa 600 — 400 b.c.e. city-states with a common culture but independent of each began. This civilization reached the pinnacle of its advancements in science, art, writing and architecture in an era called the Classic Period circa 200 – 900 a. d. |
| MAYA GALLERY |
| Uxmal (OOSH-mahl) means "'built three times" in the Mayan language, and though its name is a mystery, its beauty is not. Uxmal was the greatest metropolitan and religious center in the Puuc hills in the late classical period. It thrived between the 7th and 10th centuries AD and its numerous architectural styles reflect a number of building phases. Recent studies have suggested that Uxmal was the capital of a regional state that developed in the Puuc region between 850 to 950 AD. Other evidence suggests that Uxmal collaborated politically and economically with Chichén Itzá. (Copyright © 2008 Yucatan Today) [Archaeological Map of Uxmal] |
| The Maya built massive stone pyramids, temples, and sculpture and accomplished complex achievements in mathematics and astronomy which were recorded in hieroglyphics. Maya carving were often intricate relief carvings —known as stelae (inscribed stone slabs and pillars) that depicted information about the history of their rulers. Other art forms including painted murals and codices were also used to record important events and portray deities. All of these gave precise chronologies, accurate calendars and a highly advanced hieroglyphic writing system. For a description of the Maya calendar click here. |
| Between 600 - 900 a.d. the population exceeded approximately 10 million people. Around 900 a.d. the civilization suffered a sudden collapse. All building ceased, most of the cities were abandoned and the population declined sharply. Possible causes include overpopulation, disease, warfare, and environmental deterioration that damaged food production. |
| All photographs and other graphics are under copyright protection. Any reproduction of these images could lead to prosecution under current copyright laws. This site is not responsible for any illegal use of this material and is only intended as a visual learning tool for academic research. |
| CITY STATES OF THE MAYA |
| Beginning circa 900 a.d., Chichén Itzá rose to prominence through a variety of possible influences including Uxmal, coastal traders and the Toltec. Through reciprocal trade, art, architecture and religion the city-state grew in size and power. Toltec influences in the introduction of a new religious imagery dedicated to the plumed-serpent god known as Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, appears to have been implanted peacefully. " Whatever factors played a role in its foundation, the legacy of Chichén Itzá has far outlasted its three centuries as a political center. Abandoned in the 13th century, the ruins continue to represent cultural solidarity to the Maya people in the face of outside suppression, even in recent historical times." (http://www.famsi.org/research/pohl/sites/chichen_itza) |
