The earliest Mayan cities were formed around 750 B.C. The last city fell to the Spanish conquest in 1697 A.D. We know more about the Maya civilization than many other Mesoamerican peoples because of their contacts with European explorers. Whereas the hallmark of the Olmec is their stone art, the Mayans are known for many innovations. Despite the distance, they share many similarities to the ancient Egyptians. They left behind monumental buildings, such as pyramids. They also developed an advanced writing system using glyphs. This helps us learn about them from their own words.
The Maya civilization lasted for a long time in some form or other. Its territory ended up encompassing a large part of Mesoamerica. It included modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. It wasn't always this large though.
Its history can be divided into different time periods, based on major developments. Evidence for the existence of the Maya is from as early as 2500 B.C. Its Preclassic period lasted from 2000 B.C. to 250 A.D. The Mayans began to domesticate plants and animals at this time. They began to build cities at this time. They began to develop writing at this time.
The Classic period that followed marks the height of Mayan civilization. From circa 250 A.D. to 950 A.D., the Maya experienced steady growth and stability. A complex administrative system maintained the strength of the kingdom. Cities expanded and were connected to each other with causeways. Rulers could dispatch orders throughout the kingdom more efficiently. It also eased trade and helped the kingdom become even more powerful.
During this period, the Mayans were ruled by powerful kings. The kings were believed to be the gods' preferred rulers for the people. These divine kings passed power down from father to son. Some of the Mayan pyramids were built for these kings when they died. Their families were also part of the elite. This aristocracy lived in the centre of the city. They performed political roles and ceremonial duties here.
The commoners lived further outside the city. Even though they made up the majority of the population, we don't know much about them. Their dwellings were simpler. They were often made of perishable material. They weren't wealthy enough to leave behind much permanent evidence.
The Mayans crafted with a variety of materials. They often combined art with usefulness. Mayan ceramics such as pottery and figurines are a window into the lives of the people. Commoners and elite owned ceramic items. However, those of the elite were often more opulent. Some of them show detailed and realistic artwork of Mayan life.
In the Late Classic period, power was spread throughout the aristocracy. As the king lost control, the kingdom cracked into pieces. Smaller chiefdoms fought each other for domination. When the Spanish conquistadors came, the Mayans easily fell to the conquest.
As with the Olmec, we don't know what the Mayans called themselves. The kingdom was comprised of a variety of people. They didn't all see themselves as part of one cultural group. Unlike the Olmec, the Mayans left a legacy that lives on today. Today, there are over 28 Mayan languages spoken. Today, there are over 6 million Mayans who live in the same areas their ancestors did.
When we look into the past, we look through the lens of our present. Many of the ancient peoples we study called themselves by different names. How much of our identity will be evident in the future?