The Maya civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization developed by the Maya peoples, and noted for its hieroglyphic script the only known fully developed writing system of the pre-Columbian Americas as well as for its art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems. The Maya civilization was formed by city-states and small kingdoms that arose in the Petén Basin in modern-day Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, and flourished from c. 250 AD to c. 900 AD. The Maya civilization was noted for its sophisticated and highly developed culture, as well as its impressive artistic, architectural, and mathematical achievements.
The Maya were skilled farmers, and their agriculture was based on a sophisticated system of irrigation and terracing. They were also skilled craftsmen and traders, and their cities were centers of trade and industry. The Maya were also known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy, and their calendar and mathematical systems were highly advanced for their time.
The Maya civilization was a highly organized society, with a strong central government and a well-developed system of social classes. The ruling class was made up of the nobles, who were the priests, scribes, and other officials, and the commoners, who were the farmers, craftsmen, and traders. The Maya also had a system of writing, which was used to record their history, laws, and religious beliefs.
The Maya civilization declined in the 9th century AD, but the reasons for this decline are still not fully understood. Some historians believe that the Maya civilization was weakened by internal conflicts and a lack of resources, while others argue that the civilization was devastated by a series of droughts and famines. Regardless of the cause of its decline, the Maya civilization left a lasting legacy, and its art, architecture, and scientific achievements continue to inspire and fascinate people today.
