Mayas

The Maya refer to a collection of indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica and to the Classic-period civilization centered in the lowlands and highlands of present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya built city-states and ceremonial centers, flourished from about 2000 BCE onward, with the Classic period roughly 250–900 CE, followed by the postclassic period until Spanish contact in the 16th century.

City-states such as Tikal, Palenque, Calakmul, Copán, Caracol, Uxmal, and Chichen Itza formed networks of political competition. They shared a common culture of writing, mathematics, calendars, and monumental architecture. The Maya developed a logosyllabic script with inscriptions recording dynastic histories and events; decipherment progressed in the 20th century. They used two calendars—the Tzolk'in (260 days) and Haab' (365 days)—and a Long Count for historical dating.

The economy combined agriculture with long-distance trade. Maize was central, complemented by beans, squash, cacao, and other crops; in the Yucatán, cenotes and reservoirs supported populations. Maya art and architecture featured masonry, stucco sculpture, and ceremonial pyramids. The ball game held ritual significance, and religion was polytheistic, with deities such as Itzamna and Chaac prominent.

After the 9th century, many southern cities declined, though some northern centers persisted in the Postclassic. The 16th-century Spanish conquest disrupted Maya society, yet Maya communities survived and continue to preserve languages and traditions. Today, Maya-speaking populations number in the millions, primarily in Guatemala, southern Mexico, Belize, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador.