Mayan Historical Overview
The Pre-Classic Period
600 BCE - 300 BCE
Political Development
During this period the Olmec had a strong influence on the development of early Maya. The Olmec was a pre-Mayan civiliaztion that first appeared in 1200 BCE in central america and had reached the height of their civilization at about 800 BCE. In this pre-classic period some political centralization occured, and also social stratification occurs among the people of Maya.
Cultural Developments
At this time in Mayan hisory, stone temples and pyramids were constructed, and carved stelae were also constructed. Stelae were free-standing stone monuments that was covered with carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions that told a story of important events. Also caly figurines started to portary Mayan ethnic features, and eary development of writing called ideogrphic takes place and burials started to become part of the culture.
Technological/Economic Developments
During the Classic Period, game meat is pursued and agriculture started to include maize, beans, pumpkins, cotton and cocoa. Trade of pottery, salt, cloths, animal skins and jewllery also occured between them and other civilizations.
The Classic Period
300 BCE - 925 A.D.
Political Development
During this classic period Mayan sites expanded to over 80. There were many important cities which acted as centers, including Tikal, Copan, and Palenque. Tikal was the most important center in Maya with a population between 50 000 and 100 000, and had over 3000 major structures. At this time, hereditary nobility and priesthood started to be in charge. There were also some major Mayan centers that was abandoned for unknown reason during this period.
Cultural Developments
Many pyramids were build in the classic period. There was a flowering of art, architecture, sculptures, paintings, and advances in the knowledge of math and science. At this time two numberical systems emerged, written records or codices were developed and the Mayans perfected the Tzlkin and Haab Calendars, which is the 12 months 365 days calendar. They also painted the frescoes at Bonampak.
Technological/Economic Developments
The Mayans developed the crobel, which is also known as the false arch. The slash-and-burn agriculture is supplemented by inensive cultivation. Also speicalized occupational groups started to appear in the city-states and the craft guilds started to develop in the Mayan civilization. The Mayans also built many roads for trade and communication, and also developed extensive trade routes throughout Mesoamerica.
The Post-Classic Period
925 A.D. - 1250 A.D. In the post-classic period new political were introduced inot the area by the Toltec, and a series of politcal alliances are formed. When the Tltec came in a Mayan-Toltec style of architecture, the Mayans adopted it and begin to worhip Kukulcan a Toltec god. During tihs period treade still continues to thrive.
The Period of Decline
1250 A.D. - 1546 A.D.
The Mexican influences among the Maya was increasing, and there were revolts in Yuatan and Guatemala within the Mayan empire. The economy began to fall apart form the impact of regional wars and the population declines because they have come in contact with European diseases such as small poxs. At about 1546 A.D., the spanish complete the downfall of the Mayan civilization at Yucatan.
Today
Not all the Mayans disapperared after they're been defeated by the Spanish in 1546. Today, more than 3 million Mayans live among the people in northern Yucatan, Highland Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. They follow a lifestyle that is similar to that of their ancestors, and will continue to live on as the great civilization that they once were.