20 Ways the Mayan Civilization Pushed the Boundaries of Knowledge

Remember the movie “2012” and all the hype about the end of the world predicted by the Maya? 

Well, it turns out the Maya never actually foretold an apocalypse. But what they did do was create one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world from about 1500 BCE to the end of the 17th century.

But that’s just the beginning. Here are 20 insights into the world of the ancient Maya that will leave you marveling at the ingenuity and complexity of this remarkable civilization.

1. Cities that rivaled ancient Rome

At its peak, the Mayan city of Tikal was home to an estimated 90,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time.

The city covered an area of roughly 6 square miles and featured towering pyramids, palaces, and temples that stood up to 230 feet tall.

2. A sophisticated writing system that few could read

The complex Mayan writing system consisted of over 800 hieroglyphs. These glyphs were used to record important historical events, astronomical observations, and religious ceremonies.

Surprisingly, only a small percentage of the population was literate, mainly the elite class.

3. Unrivaled astronomical knowledge

Mayan astronomers had a deep understanding of the cosmos and used their knowledge to create highly accurate calendars. They tracked the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, and even predicted solar eclipses with stunning precision.

Their astronomical observations were so advanced that they rival those of ancient Greece and China.

4. Brain surgery in the ancient world

Archaeologists have discovered evidence that the Maya performed a type of brain surgery called trepanation. This involved drilling a hole in the skull to treat head injuries and other ailments.

Remarkably, many patients survived the procedure, as evidenced by the healing of the bone around the surgical sites.

5. Lidar reveals a vast Mayan road network

Recent lidar surveys have revealed that the Maya built an extensive network of roads that connected their cities and towns. (ref) These roads were elevated above the surrounding terrain and were up to 130 feet wide in some places.

The discovery of this road network has challenged previous assumptions about the extent of Mayan infrastructure.

6. Agricultural innovations that fed millions

To support their large urban populations, the Maya developed advanced agricultural techniques. They built extensive systems of canals and reservoirs to manage water resources, and used techniques such as terracing and raised fields to maximize crop yields.

Some of their agricultural practices are still used by modern farmers in the region today.

7. Engineering marvels in stone

As master builders, the Maya constructed impressive feats of engineering. They built massive pyramids, palaces, and temples using nothing but stone tools and human labor.

They also developed advanced water management systems, including aqueducts and cisterns, to collect and store water during the dry season.

8. A society divided by class

Mayan society was highly stratified, with a ruling elite class that held most of the power and wealth. Below them were the merchants, artisans, and farmers who made up the bulk of the population.

At the bottom of the social ladder were the slaves, who were often captured in war or sold into servitude.

9. Artisans of the ancient world

Mayan artisans produced stunning works of art, including intricate carvings, colorful murals, and delicate pottery. They used a variety of materials, including jade, obsidian, and precious metals, to create beautiful objects that were both functional and decorative.

Many of these artifacts have survived to the present day and provide a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the Maya.

10. Trade routes that spanned Mesoamerica

Engaged in long-distance trade, the Maya exchanged goods with other Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Aztecs and the Zapotecs. They traded a variety of items, including jade, obsidian, cacao, and textiles.

The discovery of Mayan artifacts in far-flung locations suggests that their trade network extended for hundreds of miles.

11. The dark side of Mayan religion

Like many ancient civilizations, the Maya practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals. Victims were often captured in war or selected from the population based on certain criteria.

The most common method of sacrifice was decapitation, although some victims were also shot with arrows or drowned in sacred cenotes (natural wells).

12. Keepers of time

The Maya used several different calendars to track time, including a 365-day solar calendar and a 260-day ritual calendar. They also had a Long Count calendar that tracked longer periods of time, up to millions of years.

The end of one of these Long Count cycles in 2012 sparked widespread speculation about the end of the world, although the Maya themselves did not predict any such event.

13. The ballgame of the gods

Pitz, a ballgame similar to modern-day soccer or basketball, was played by the Maya on large courts with a rubber ball that players had to keep in the air using their hips.

The game had religious significance and was often played as part of ceremonial events.

14. Tombs fit for kings

Mayan rulers were buried in elaborate tombs that were filled with precious objects and artifacts. Some of these tombs were located inside pyramids or other structures, while others were standalone monuments.

The discovery of these tombs has provided valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of the Mayan elite.

15. Mathematical geniuses

Developing a sophisticated mathematical system that included the concept of zero, which was not used in Europe until centuries later, the Maya also used a base-20 number system and had a symbol for infinity.

Their mathematical knowledge was used in everything from agriculture to astronomy.

16. A world born from a crocodile

The rich Mayan mythology included a pantheon of gods and goddesses, as well as a creation story that involved the world being created from the body of a giant crocodile. (ref)

Many of their myths and legends were recorded in their hieroglyphic writing system and have survived to the present day.

17. Weavers of the ancient world

Known for their intricate textiles, which were made using a backstrap loom, the Maya used a variety of natural dyes to create vibrant colors, and wove complex patterns and designs into their fabrics.

Mayan textiles were highly prized and were often used as a form of currency.

18. Healers of the past

With a sophisticated understanding of medicine, the Maya used a variety of herbs and plants to treat illnesses and injuries. They also developed advanced surgical techniques, including dental work and the setting of broken bones.

Some of their medical knowledge was recorded in hieroglyphic texts that have survived to the present day.

19. A land of warring city-states

Mayan society was divided into city-states that were ruled by powerful kings and queens. These rulers often engaged in warfare with neighboring city-states, and alliances were formed and broken over time.

The political landscape of the Maya was constantly shifting, with new powers rising and falling throughout their history.

20. A civilization that echoes through time

Despite their eventual decline, the Maya left behind a rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire and fascinate people to this day.

As we continue to uncover new insights into this remarkable civilization, we can only marvel at the depth and complexity of their world.