The Mayan people were a little different from the Aztec Indians in that they did not practice good administrative control over their empire.  Instead, the Mayans were known for developing many large, autonomous cities and states to include Chichen Itza, Palenque, and Tikal.  The history of the Mayans is quite interesting in that they were considered ahead of their time in many ways.  For example, the Mayans created an advanced system of writing using stones and cactus fiber parchment. 

In addition to being strong writers, the Mayan people were also incredibly talented in mathematics.  In fact, they are the tribe that independently created the concept of zero.  With this, they created a special calendar system that was designed around a long count being divided into five cycles along with a 260-day ritual cycle and 365 day solar calendar.  With this knowledge, they were able to chart the movement of the moon as well as many major planets to include Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Venus. 

The Mayans also had a complex group of deities that were worshipped.  In fact, human sacrifices were commonly offered to these gods.  The rulers of the Mayan people believed that to be a descendant of the gods, human blood was the best type of offering, whether through personal bloodletting or the sacrifice of some of the royal captives. 

The Mayans also had a unique view of the universe, dividing it into numerous levels that were located both above and below the planet Earth.  These levels were positioned in four directions – north, south, east, and west.  When a Mayan would die, they believed that person’s soul would go to the underworld called Xibalba.  Here, there were frightening gods that would test and trick the dead. 

Mayans actually had a diverse diet, which was based primarily on the geography of the land.  Some of the abundant and therefore common foods included lime and corn, which was ground and then made into tortillas.  They also enjoyed squash, beans, and chili peppers.  To maximize the nutrients of the crops, the Mayans used a “slash and burn” system of farming.  With this, the fields would be left uncultivated for 5 to 15 years after which time they would be cultivated for 2 to 5 years. 

The housing used by the Mayan people was traditionally limestone structures that were covered with lime stucco.  Considered very innovative, this type of architecture included the famous corbel arch.  Within these structures, you would find an encased tomb.  Many times, new and elaborate temples would be constructed over the existing structure. 

So the structures could be painted with plaster, they were designed with a honeycomb roof.  In addition to the many temples created for use by the Mayan people, you would also find structures consisting of multiple rooms, which experts believe were used as royal palaces where important governmental affairs were conducted. 

Around 1100 BC, the Mayan civilization began to decline.  Although no one is certain why, many believe it has to do with failure of crops, wars, and disease.  Then by 1520, the civilization was all but gone.  The massive cities were abandoned and only remnants of the Mayan people’s lives were carelessly scattered about.  Even so, because of the accomplishments made and passed down, we respect the Mayan people although we do not quite understand their lifestyle.