- Ancestors of the Maya are believed to have occupied Mexico's Yucatan peninsula as long as 10,000 years ago. Primitive settlements were found dating back to the 4th century A.D. The Mayan culture reached it's highest stage of development during the Classic Period, which occurred during 250 and 900 A.D. The Mayan civilization declined beginning around the tenth century. By the time the Spanish expeditions arrived in the 1500's, the Mayan people were largely rural farmers. The Spanish conquerors focused on the conversion of the Maya Indians to Christianity. Records documenting the Mayan civilization were destroyed. Written books were burned and artwork made of gold was melted down to ship to Spain. By the end of the 14th century, the Mayan Indian civilization no longer existed.
- The Maya Indians' empire lasted for a significant length of time. The first traces of Mayan history is dated around 200 B.C. This empire lasted through approximately 1500 A.D. Dates are approximate and there is no concrete start or finish of the era of the Mayan Empire. Typically the Mayan Empire is divided into three different eras: the Preclassic Period (lasting until 300 A.D.), the Classic Period (lasting from 300 until 900 A.D.) and the Postclassic Period (lasting from 900 to 1520 A.D.)
- During the height of the Classic Period, the Mayan Empire was made up of tens of thousands of people. The Maya Indians lived in villages, towns and cities. Some of the cities with the largest populations included Cancuen, Chichen Itza and Calakmul. The territories claimed by the Maya Indians are estimated to have ranged up to 400,000 square kilometers.
- The Maya Indian Empire ranged from the Yucatan Peninsula inn Mexico south to Central America in the current countries of Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador. The diverse climate of these areas ranges from regions with volcanic highlands to wet tropical lowlands. The northern highlands are relatively dry while the lowlands to the south may experience up to 120 inches of rain per year.
- Religion controlled much of Mayan life. Because of the emphasis on religion, the Mayan priests held a high status in Mayan culture. The priests used astronomical calculations to determine which gods were ruling during a specific time. Then priests issued orders which might include ritual bloodletting or human sacrifice.
The Mayan culture was highly advanced during the Classic Period. A writing system was developed and books were written. The Maya Indians used an accurate calendar which was based on the movement of the sun, moon and stars. Mayan craftsman produced gigantic stone temples, carved fine designs on tablets and painted intricate murals. Although most books and writing were destroyed, four Mayan books written on tree bark survive in museums.
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