Images of Chichen Itza

Was Climate Change Responsible for the Decline of Mayan Civilization?

Tulum

If you  entertain in your mind the phrase, “History repeats itself”, then, you might want to focus on something that can really prove that history does repeats itself time and time again.  We have learned all about the rise and fall of the ancient Mayan civilization.  They were once a group of people who were considered to be the most progressive population during their time aside form, of course, the ancient Egyptians.  The ancient Mayans have contributed significant legacies to the world ranging from architecture, farming or agriculture and even science, mathematics, logic and infrastructure, to name a few.  During their time, it seems that these people were destined to be the super nation up to the present time. Alas, they vanished!  There was a time that they just disappeared without a trace, with the flick of the switch, with the breath of the wind. (more…)

History of The Maya

Many people believe that the ancient Mayans self destructed by their own practices.  They figuratively killed themselves by going head-on with progress but never realized to themselves that by doing so, they were slowly decaying and destroying their civilization.  The Maya built a lot of structures to cater to their increasing populace.  They cut down trees so that they can use those trees to burn limestone and use the burnt limestone to build pyramids, houses and other structures.

By looking back at what transpired with Mayan civilization, we can witness history repeating itself especially in today’s world.  We are also the same mistakes the ancient Mayans have made.  Another thing that can point out that history repeats itself is the climate change that the ancient Mayans experienced during their heyday.  We can consider them the “pioneers of everything” until around 6th century A.D.  By 900 A.D., after which, most of the great stone cities of the ancient Mayans were totally abandoned.

 

Mayan Pyramid
The ancient Maya emerged from barbarism probably during the first or second century of the Common Era; at least their earliest dated monuments cannot be ascribed to a more remote period. How long a time had been required for the development of their complex calendar and hieroglyphic system to the point of graphic record, it is impossible to say, and any estimate can be only conjectural. It is certain, however, that a long interval must have elapsed from the first crude and unrelated scratches of savagery to the elaborate and involved hieroglyphs found on the earliest monuments, which represent not only the work of highly skilled sculptors, but also the thought of intensively developed minds. Read More

Mayan Paintings

The Mayan art, particularly the Mayan paintings were all depiction of the cultures and traditions of this once great civilization in Mesoamerica. Of course, other early civilizations may also have their paintings and sculpture depict their earlier lifestyle. But, the Mayan paintings along with its architectural designs and sculpture are very distinct in style and they are always considered as the most beautiful in the ancient New World. The development of the Mayan art, particularly the Mayan paintings, started during the pre-classic period. This was around 1500 B.C. to 250 A.D. (more…)

Habitat of the Maya

Mayan Habitat Guatemala
Generally speaking, the Maya were a lowland people, inhabiting the Atlantic coast plains of southern Mexico and northern Central America. The southern part of this region is abundantly watered by a network of streams, many of which have their rise in the Cordillera, while the northern part, comprising the peninsula of Yucatan, is entirely lacking in water courses and, were it not for natural wells called cenotes, would be uninhabitable. This condition in the north is due to the geologic formation of the peninsula, a vast plain underlain by limestone through which water quickly percolates to subterranean channels. (more…)