Where was the Mayan Civilization in the past?
1000BC~850AD
Who were the Mayans?
The Mayans were a group of people who lived on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico from 1000BC to 850AD. During the time that their culture existed, they built amazing temples and other buildings. The Mayans were also superb at math, astronomy and agriculture. Around 150AD, their culture gradually declined. According to the most recent research, archeologists think that the Mayan culture declined because there was a drought, so the crops could not grow in the severe climate. That is how everyone starved and died. There are other theories to how the Mayan culture diminished, too.
The four major cities in the Mayan civilizations are Palenque, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Tulum. However, there are hundreds of little cities.
1. Palenque was a medium-size site. It contains some of the finest architectures and bas-relief that Mayans produced. There are also many temples and palaces.
2. Chichen Itza was a major city achieving it’s greatest growth and power after the Maya sites of the lowlands in the south had already collapsed. Seven ball courts have been found there.
3. Uxmal was one of the largest cities on the Yucatan Peninsula. Uxmal is known for it’s different buildings such as the the Temple of the Magicians and the Governor's Palace.
4. Tulum was a city near the sea that was bordering the Mayan civilization. The beach of Tulum was used to dock the Mayan ships dedicated to trade around the peninsula.
December 17, 2006
Today was the first day in our Mexican adventure. We carried a full suitcase of excitement and curiosity. Our first stop was at Tulum ruins. We were surrounded by the ruined structures and Mayan spirits. When I walked through the ruins, I felt like penetrating into the past and becoming a Mayan. There was also a fascinating beach below the main temple. It used to be a dock were Mayans kept their ships. I almost saw the Mayans working in the docks so vividly.
The buildings the Mayans constructed.
The Mayans constructed many unique and different kinds of buildings.
This is a temple that the Mayans built. If you clap your hands, you will hear a bird’s chirp as an echo. This tells that the Mayans were excellent architects.
This is a sacrificial alter that the Mayans used to sacrifice their victims. On the top, there is a statue of their god, Chac.
This is a castle that the Mayans constructed. Every fifty-two years, they build another castle over the previous one.
This is an observatory that the Mayans used to observe the stars.
Religious believes
Like many other ancient civilizations, the Mayans believe that victims and the losing teams’ player should be sacrificed in worship to please the Gods, especially the God Rain, Chac. Therefore, their society and people would enjoy a prosperous year to come.
Some views in the Yucatan Penninsula
Shopping at Valladolid, a small village
Wall of Chichen Itza
Our tour Guide
Snorkeling at the Xcaret Park
The End
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