Uncovering the History of the Maya
The history of the Mayans has been a constant draw for travelers to Mexico for years.
But who were the ancient Maya?
Although the term “Maya empire” is used frequently, the civilization actually consisted on separate cities and states, ruled individually from each other. These stood in modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. These cities and states were connected by shared languages, religion, fashion, and behavior, although obviously there were various differences as well.
Brief Mayan History
The earliest Maya communities started settling in 1800 B.C. This early period runs until around 250 AD and is known as the Pre-Classic Period. This is when most of the pyramids were built, cities were developed, and religion and math was explored and taught. The peak of the civilization was from 250 AD to 900 AD and is known as the Classic Period. In this time, the majority of grand temples, pyramids, and ball courts were constructed that we visit today.
The Post-Classic Period was from 950 AD to 1500 AD and is when the Maya abandoned their cities. Reasons are unsure, but could include war, overpopulation, volcanoes, drought, or a combination of all factors. Although the abandoned a large amount of cities, they did not disappear. There are still an estimated six million descendants of the ancient Maya living today.
Ancient Maya Religion
The ancient Maya religion was polytheistic, with deities representing different aspects of daily Maya life. Religious ceremonies were led by either kings, priests, or shaman and were often held to appease the gods. An often asked question is if the Maya made human sacrifices: the answer is yes. It was believed that the human blood served as a form of sustenance for the gods. The victims were typically prisoners of war from the upper classes, however children were also sacrificed as their blood was considered of greater value.
Human sacrifice was not a ritual from the beginning, however. It originally began as “auto-sacrifice” where Maya would pierce their own bodies and drain the blood before burning it. Animal sacrifices were made as well. But the act of human sacrifice began in the Classic Period around 250 BC and is thought to have derived from the people who lived in modern-day Mexico City.
Famous Maya Cities in Mexico
Chichen Itza
Chicen Itza is arguably one of the most iconic archeological sites in the world, being named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. It is believed to have been formed around the beginning of the 5th century AD and hit its peak in the 7th century AD.
Chichén Itzá, Mérida
Its most famous structure is El Castillo, the Temple of Kukulkan, a large pyramid that sits in the center of the city. Other famous areas inclue The Great Ball Court, The North Temple, and the Temple of the Warriors. The on-site cenote is where human sacrifices were made.
Tulum
The ruins at Tulum beach are the only ones that sit overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This city reached its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries and was known for being a trade center for jade and turquoise.
Although not as large as Chichen Itza and you cannot go near or touch the buildings, this site is almost equally as famous for looking over crystal clear blue waters and having stunning ruins such as El Castillo and the Temples of Frescoes.
Uxmal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uxmal was established around the 8th century AD and flourished for over 300 years. Some noteworthy structures include the Pyramid of the Magician, the MJaya ball court, the Great Pyramid, and the Governor’s Palance.
Coba
Tulum Ruins