Just as the Olmecs, the Maya civilization instigates a series of unanswered questions for many paleontologists, historians and anthropologists who investigate this pre-Columbian people. The evidence of the origin of the Maya civilization lies in the archaeological sites of the Yucatan Peninsula, which date between 700 and 500 BC. However, new researches admit a more remote organization, established in 1500 BC.
Unlike other great civilizations, the Mayans are not politically organized through a centralized political power structure. In a vast territory that stretched from Guatemala to southern Mexico, we observe the presence of several independent cities. Among major cities included in this system we can highlight Piedras Negras, Palenque, Tikal, Yaxchilan, Copan, Uxmal and Labna.
The splendor of the Maya society is fundamentally explained by the control and the disciplines used in the development of agriculture. Among the various foods that were part of the diet of the Mayans, we can highlight the corn, major consumer product, cocoa, cotton and agave. To extend the life of their land, the Mayans used to organize a system of crop rotation.
The process of organization of society was very rigid and was guided by the presence of three social classes. At the top of the hierarchy we find the governors, senior officials and traders. Soon after, we have civil servants and skilled workers. At the base of the pyramid were the peasants and laborers.
The Mayans had a wide range of knowledge developed within their culture. According to some surveys, they used a numerical scoring system based on vigesimal units and, like the Olmecs, they used the number "zero" in the execution of mathematical operations. They also created a calendar rather close to the year system employed by modern calendars.
A great challenge for researchers of the Maya civilization revolves around the unraveling of its complex writing system. One of the biggest obstacles is related to the fact that signs employees can represent sounds, ideas, or both at the same time. Moreover, indications show that they used different forms of writing to a single concept.
The architecture of this people had always closely linked to the reaffirmation of its religious ideals. Multiple columns, arches and temples were erected in honor of the great pantheon of deities celebrated by the Maya culture. The polytheistic face of Maya beliefs was still guided by the belief in life after death and carry out human sacrifices regularly performed.
By the 13th century, Maya society collapsed. Even today, there is no explanation that can answer this latter question involving the history of the Mayans. Recently, a group of American researchers went to work with the hypothesis that the crisis of this civilization is related to the occurrence of a fierce drought that would have extended for over two centuries.
Unlike other great civilizations, the Mayans are not politically organized through a centralized political power structure. In a vast territory that stretched from Guatemala to southern Mexico, we observe the presence of several independent cities. Among major cities included in this system we can highlight Piedras Negras, Palenque, Tikal, Yaxchilan, Copan, Uxmal and Labna.
The splendor of the Maya society is fundamentally explained by the control and the disciplines used in the development of agriculture. Among the various foods that were part of the diet of the Mayans, we can highlight the corn, major consumer product, cocoa, cotton and agave. To extend the life of their land, the Mayans used to organize a system of crop rotation.
The process of organization of society was very rigid and was guided by the presence of three social classes. At the top of the hierarchy we find the governors, senior officials and traders. Soon after, we have civil servants and skilled workers. At the base of the pyramid were the peasants and laborers.
The Mayans had a wide range of knowledge developed within their culture. According to some surveys, they used a numerical scoring system based on vigesimal units and, like the Olmecs, they used the number "zero" in the execution of mathematical operations. They also created a calendar rather close to the year system employed by modern calendars.
A great challenge for researchers of the Maya civilization revolves around the unraveling of its complex writing system. One of the biggest obstacles is related to the fact that signs employees can represent sounds, ideas, or both at the same time. Moreover, indications show that they used different forms of writing to a single concept.
The architecture of this people had always closely linked to the reaffirmation of its religious ideals. Multiple columns, arches and temples were erected in honor of the great pantheon of deities celebrated by the Maya culture. The polytheistic face of Maya beliefs was still guided by the belief in life after death and carry out human sacrifices regularly performed.
By the 13th century, Maya society collapsed. Even today, there is no explanation that can answer this latter question involving the history of the Mayans. Recently, a group of American researchers went to work with the hypothesis that the crisis of this civilization is related to the occurrence of a fierce drought that would have extended for over two centuries.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário