Mayan Civilization: Explore the History and Mystery of the Ancient Mayan Ruins

The maya are an indigenous people of mexico and central america who have continuously inhabited the lands comprising modern-day yucatan, quintana roo, campeche, tabasco, and chiapas in mexico and southward through guatemala, belize, el salvador and honduras. The designation maya comes from the ancient yucatan city of mayapan, the last capital of a mayan kingdom in the post-classic period. Contrary to popular imagination, the maya did not vanish and the descendants of the people who built the great cities of chichen itza, bonampak, uxmal and altun ha still exist on the same lands their ancestors did and continue to practice, sometimes in a modified form, the same rituals which would be recognized by a native of the land one thousand years ago. Here is a preview of what you'll learn about... •The mayan calendar •Mayan religion and human sacrifice •Agricultural practices •Monuments and cities •Society and politics •Early forms of writing and numbers •Art, architecture and culture This book provides the answer. Through vivid storytelling, historical accuracy, and a deep exploration of culture, this guide illuminates the maya world from every angle. Readers will journey from the rise of powerful kings and queens, through the construction of sacred pyramids and the creation of intricate hieroglyphs, to the survival of traditions in modern maya communities. You’ll discover how the maya navigated conflict, celebrated life, studied the cosmos, and created a society that balanced spirituality, science, and social order. Every page is designed to bring their struggles, triumphs, and wisdom into clear, human perspective, helping you connect with history in a personal, meaningful way.