Maya
The Maya civilization (AD 300-900) was one of the most
sophisticated in the pre-Columbian Americas. It extended from
southeastern Mexico across modern-day Guatemala, Belize and the
western parts of Honduras and El Salvador. The Maya were never
politically unified but lived in around sixty separate kingdoms,
each with its own ruler. Relations between the kingdoms were
complex. There was negotiation, trading and inter-marriage, as well
as invasion and warfare.
Maya cities usually had a dramatic stepped pyramid topped by a
temple sanctuary at their centre. Close by were the palaces of the
royal court, which functioned as the centre of government and
provided luxury accommodation. As well as lesser residences,
temples and plazas, ballcourts have been identified. These
consisted of two parallel walls between which a ritual game using a
rubber ball was played.
The Maya produced impressive artworks, including polychrome
ceramic vases and carved stone monuments portraying their rulers.
The British Museum holds a number of carved lintels from Yaxchilan
in modern south Mexico. They are considered to be among the
masterpieces of Mayan art and record the rulers of the city.
The Maya developed a sophisticated writing system and used an
elaborate calendar system known as the Long Count to provide
dates.
By about AD 800 Maya civilization was in decline. Building and
monument-making stopped and in some places there is evidence of
violence and destruction. The problems may have been caused by
warfare and agricultural crisis. Despite this 'collapse', the Maya
survived in reduced numbers. There are about six million Maya alive
today.
Image caption: Stone bust of the Maize
God
Maya, Late Classic period (AD 600-800). From Copán, Honduras