L. L. Owens

Ancient Mayan civilization is one of the greatest in history. It is also one of the most mysterious.

The Maya are a tribe of Central American Indians. In ancient times, they lived in the Mexican areas of Yucatan, Chiapas, and Tabasco. They also lived in Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize.

They may have existed as early as 15,000 B.C. That's about 17,000 years—or 170 centuries—ago!

What Makes the Maya So Mysterious?
First, they lived so long ago. It's impossible to know exactly how they lived.

Second, their culture almost died out. That left few people to record their history.

And third, most of their writings were lost. The Spanish took over the Mayan area. They didn't care about Mayan history. So they destroyed much of what remained. This happened in the 16th century A.D.

Even so, modern archaeologists have learned a lot. They have studied Mayan ruins. They have discovered important artifacts. Their findings and educated guesses have helped put together pieces of the Mayan puzzle.

We do know a few things about the ancient Maya:
 • They farmed the land.
 • They built grand buildings.
 • They studied the stars.
 • They sailed the waters.
 • They traded goods with neighbors.
 • They invented their own calendar.
 • They worshipped many gods.
 • They created beautiful art.
 • They used a mathematical system.
 • They wrote in hieroglyphics.


Excerpt © 2000 Perfection Learning.

© 2003–2006 L. L. Owens
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