History Brief: The Maya Civilization

One of the most prominent Mesoamerican cultures was the Maya civilization. What were the Maya like? When did their society disappear? The Maya civilization existed in the present-day region of southeastern Mexico, as well as Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The first Maya cities developed around 750 BCE, and they remained a presence in the region for well over 1500 years. Like other Mesoamerican cultures, Maya society had a class hierarchy which sharply divided the nobility and the commoners. There were many levels within this hierarchy, from the king at the top down to the poorest of laborers and slaves. There were priests, artisans, government officials, merchants, and soldiers. Each of these held a different place on the social ladder. Well over 90% of the population were commoners. Little is known about the commoners, except that most were subsistence farmers, meaning they grew just enough food to keep their families alive. Their staple crops were maize, beans, squash, and chili peppers. However, they also produced products such as cotton, vanilla, and cacao, which were used exclusively by the elite. Cacao was used in religious ceremonies, festivals, feasts, and even for medicinal purposes. It was viewed as a divine substance and was mixed with water, chili peppers, and corn meal to create a popular chocolate drink. Other commoners made ceramic or stone tools to be sold or traded at market. Some made weapons for military use. The Maya engaged in frequent military campaigns, just as other tribes in their region did. They attacked neighboring villages for various reasons, from protecting their trade routes to taking captives for sacrificial purposes. Their primary weapon was the atlet. This was a notched stick about 18 inches long. It was used to throw a spear. Using the atlet, they could throw a spear much further and more accurately than if they threw it by hand. Other warriors also used blowguns, bows and arrows, and swords. The Maya had an extensive trading network throughout Central America. They traded salt, obsidian, gold, slaves, and many other products throughout the entire region. Their trade network extended as far south as present-day Colombia and as far north as present-day New Mexico. Observing the stars was very important to the Maya. Maya astronomers closely observed the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. The information they gathered enabled them to develop a sophisticated calendar which included solar and lunar cycles, eclipses, and the movement of the planets. In many ways, the Maya calendar was more accurate than European calendars of the era. Astronomy also played a vital role in Maya religious practices. Maya priests used the movements of the planets to make prophecies regarding the future. For example, the rising of Venus was thought to be connected to destruction and upheaval. Therefore, Maya leaders might begin military campaigns during that event. The Maya believed there were thirteen levels of heaven and nine levels of the underworld. According to Maya religious beliefs, their departed ancestors acted as mediators between their living relatives and the supernatural world. For this reason, the Maya buried their deceased relatives underneath the floors of their homes. In this way, the dead could fulfill their protective role. Similar to other Mesoamerican cultures, human sacrifice played an essential part in Maya religious rituals. Many methods of execution were used for these sacrifices, from decapitation to disembowelment. Sometimes the skin was ripped from the body. Various gods demanded different types of sacrifices. The most prized sacrifice was that of an enemy king. Maya architecture was impressive. They constructed a wide range of buildings from palaces to temples, and even courts for ball games. Building exteriors were decorated with paint, sculptures, and other imagery. Many Maya structures have withstood the centuries and can still be observed today. These ruins are popular tourist attractions throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya civilization disappeared in a similar fashion to other tribes of the region and time period. After the Spaniards arrived in the 1500s, war and disease took their toll on the Maya. By the late 1600s, the Maya had all but vanished. However, there are still many people throughout southern Mexico and Central America who claim Maya ancestry.