Ancient Mayan Culture

The Maya civilization is considered as the grandest in the history of the world. Its collapse though is still shrouded in mystery. The civilization thrived in Central and South America from around 2000 BC until 1500 AD.


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The Mayan Civilization:

The Mayan culture extended from the third to the ninth century. The Maya civilization is credited with the building of truly awe-inspiring temples, pyramids and cities. They are known to have developed and thrived within a complex social and political order. Many of the remnants reveal that the Mayan culture excelled in many different fields, and the modern world is still unearthing testaments of their achievements. Today descendents of the ancient Maya account for more than 50% of the population of Guatemala. Their culture is still vibrant and thriving. Traditionally dressed women and children in the entire country are a great show of their association with and pride in the ancient Mayan civilization.

Special features of the ancient Mayan civilization:

The Mayan civilization is synonymous with the art of weaving. The art has survived uninterrupted for centuries and is now gaining recognition all over the world. The Maya are also known for unique baskets, pottery and wood carvings of animals, figurines and toys. The Chichicastenango traditional handicrafts market every Thursday and Sunday is a typical Mayan market and a celebration of the civilization. The Hemispheric Indigenous Education Conference brought together various aspects of indigenous communities of America for further study and facilitated dedicated exchange of experiences, and educational material relevant to the development of intercultural education.

Exclusive developments:

The Maya civilization is noted for the only fully developed written language of the Americas and the spectacular art and architecture. The civilization is also credited with sophisticated math and astronomical systems. At its peak, the Mayan civilization was the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies in the whole world! The Maya civilization shared a high degree of interaction with the other Mesoamerican cultures and this led to a cultural diffusion. Maya influence reached as far as central Mexico, a good 625 miles away from the main region. There are a number of outside influences also found within the culture, which resulted from trade and cultural exchange.