THE ANCIENT MAYA
RELATED LINKS:
MAYA CALENDAR, MATH AND ASTRONOMY
Use our provided information to learn about the Maya.
MAYAN LANGUAGE
Learn about Mayan language and writing.
MAYA ARCHITECTURE
Learn why the Maya built their temples.
MAYA BALLGAME
Learn about the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame.
MAYA MUSIC
Learn about ancient Maya music.
ANCIENT FOODS
Learn some of the foods the ancient Maya and other groups ate.
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The Maya culture influenced a large territory. It ranged from what is now known as central and southern
Mexico to the northern region of Central America. This included the Yucatan Peninsula as well as mountainous
highlands and swamps. The area is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
The people typically ranged in height from four feet eight inches to five feet tall. They had straight black hair
and thought that flattened foreheads were a thing of beauty. The latter was the result of securing boards to the heads
of young children. Crossed eyes were also a sought-after feature. Maya women tied objects from their baby’s heads
to encourage the eyes to cross. Other forms of decoration were tattooing and piercing the skin with sticks for
ornamentation. How many of these practices do we do today?
The Maya Indians spanned three eras. The first began in 2,500 A.D. and included the Olmecs. These people
had become less nomadic and began planting crops, especially corn. The next era, approximately 250 A.D. to 900
A.D., was distinguished by the building of pyramids and temples. During this time, the Maya people explored
mathematics and astronomy and developed a writing system.
Today, many people in Mexico consider themselves descendants of the Maya Indians and continue farming and trading as their ancestors did. Their arts and crafts included clay dishes and carved statues as well as colorful woven cloth for clothing and blankets. Medicines taken from the rainforest and desert plants were discovered by the Maya and many are still used today.