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The Maya civilization was one of the most dominant indigenous societies of Mesoamerica (a term used to describe Mexico and Central America before the 16th century Spanish conquest).
Unlike other scattered indigenous populations of Mesoamerica, the Maya were centered in one geographical block .
Within that expanse, the Maya lived in three separate sub-areas with distinct environmental and cultural differences:
THE MAYA: AD 250–900
In AD 250 the ancient Maya reached their peak of large-scale construction and urbanism. The anceint Maya began the recording of monumental inscriptions, and significant intellectual and artistic development, particularly in the southern lowland regions. The people developed an agriculturally intensive, city-centered civilization consisting of numerous independent city-states – some subservient to others.
During this period the Maya population numbered in the millions. They created a multitude of kingdoms and small empires, built monumental palaces and temples, engaged in highly developed ceremonies, and developed an elaborate hieroglyphic writing system.
Unlike other scattered indigenous populations of Mesoamerica, the Maya were centered in one geographical block .
Within that expanse, the Maya lived in three separate sub-areas with distinct environmental and cultural differences:
- The Northern Maya lowlands on the Yucatan Peninsula
- The Southern lowlands in the Peten district of northern Guatemala and adjacent portions of Mexico, Belize and western Honduras
- The Southern Maya highlands, in the mountainous region of southern Guatemala.
THE MAYA: AD 250–900
In AD 250 the ancient Maya reached their peak of large-scale construction and urbanism. The anceint Maya began the recording of monumental inscriptions, and significant intellectual and artistic development, particularly in the southern lowland regions. The people developed an agriculturally intensive, city-centered civilization consisting of numerous independent city-states – some subservient to others.
During this period the Maya population numbered in the millions. They created a multitude of kingdoms and small empires, built monumental palaces and temples, engaged in highly developed ceremonies, and developed an elaborate hieroglyphic writing system.