The Mayan Civilization Overview

Study Notes

Located in modern-day Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.
Flourished due to long growing seasons and agricultural wealth.
Religion heavily influenced by the Olmec civilization, characterized by polytheism and ritualistic blood sacrifice.
The Popol Vuh, a Mayan cosmogony, recounts the creation of the world and the role of twins in defeating the gods.
The twins are associated with important figures in Mayan mythology: Hunahpu and Balanque, and are linked to the macaw.
Mayans were skilled mathematicians, astronomers, and geometers.
They developed the concept of zero and designed a calendar system that influenced the modern Gregorian calendar.
Their writing system, based on glyphic script, was inscribed on perishable materials like bark, leading to limited surviving documentation.
Mayan writing influenced other Mesoamerican scripts.
Sports played an integral role in Mayan culture, often connecting to religious beliefs. They constructed elaborate courts and arenas.

The Mayan civilization lived in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.
Known for their long growing seasons and agricultural wealth.
Mayan religion was polytheistic and deeply ritualistic.
Blood sacrifice was a significant part of their religious practices, with blood offerings made to the gods.
Popol Vuh is a Mayan cosmogonic text, depicting twins defeating gods and becoming the sun and moon.
The twins are called Hunaphu and Balanque.
Mayans were skilled mathematicians and astronomers, developing the concept of zero and a calendar system similar to our current one.
They used a glyphic writing system, primarily on bark, which unfortunately has not survived well.
Mayan glyphs served as the foundation for other Mesoamerican writing systems.
Mayans played and watched sports, which were deeply connected to their religion.
They constructed elaborate courts and arenas.