The Mayans cultivated the most advanced written language of the hemisphere, excelled as astronomers and were highly-skilled mathematicians, being the first in the world to arrive at the concept of zero, and use complex calculations. They were also admirable urban planners and their grand cities were filled with monumental temples which were built without the use of tools as we know them today.
Mayan cities were carefully designed with temples and places in the center and a nearby ball court, which enabled the Mayans to play a game considered to be the precursor to soccer. The ruins of these amazing cities are found throughout Mexico, specifically in the Yucatan states. Exciting new finds in the field of archaeology are revealing countless treasures from their temples and pyramids as scientists work to unravel mysteries of the past.
The area of the Mayan civilization extended throughout the northern Central American region which includes the present-day nations of Guatemala, Belize, western Honduras and El Salvador, as well as the southern Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan. Their history can be traced through three major periods: the pre-Classic from 2000 B.C. to 200 A.D.; the Classic from 200 A.D. to 900 A.D.; and the post-Classic era from 900 A.D. to 1521 A.D. As people worldwide are in awe of these advanced people, it is becoming increasingly popular to study them and learn more about the Mayans via travel, literature and now, film.
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