The Maya of Long Ago
The Maya built an advanced civilization in the area of Mexico and Central America about 2,000 years ago. They were astronomers who developed an incredible calendar to keep
track of events over many thousands of years. They built pyramids and developed large cities. The Mini Page takes a look at the Maya
civilization this week.
Amazing scientists
The Maya developed one of the most complex civilizations of the ancient world. Their scholars created an advanced system of writing.
Unlike many other ancient people, they developed in isolation (eye-suh-LAY-shun), or away from other civilizations. Other ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, learned from others. The
Maya had to discover all on their own.
They built great structures without metal tools, beasts of burden or vehicles with wheels, such
as carts. (Beasts of burden are big animals tame enough to help carry heavy loads.)
Pyramids
The Maya built great pyramids that were lined up to follow the movements of the sun.
For example, on the shortest day of the year, or the winter solstice (SOHL-stis), the sun rose at a certain spot over a pyramid temple.
Priests knewthat from that day forward, the sun would rise a bit to the north each day. When the sun finally rose directly north of the pyramid, the rains would come. Other pyramids were lined up with the setting sun. They were all built to predict
when it would rain.
Calendars
The Maya used two calendars throughout the year. One calendar gave the times to perform rituals. Today, this kind of calendar could help us keep track of events like planting and harvesting crops.
The Mayan ritual calendar covered 260 days. It was made up of 13 numbers and 20 names.
Their second calendar was a yearlong calendar made up of 365 days. It was divided into 18 months of 20 days each. The Maya added five extra days to finish off the year.
The Maya used this calendar to help them
keep track of birthdays and holidays.