At the high watermark of their civilization, the Maya people in Mesoamerica reached a level of complexity comparable to the golden age of ancient Greece, inhabiting dozens of sophisticated cities, with some hosting up to 50,000 inhabitants .
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Melipona honey was utilized by the ancient Maya and produced by stingless bees located in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. With a history dating over three millennia, this honey was traditionally used for medicinal purposes due to its high fructose content and antioxidant properties. Unlike regular honey, Melipona honey is less prone to crystallization and has a distinctive watery texture. Learn more about the honey here.
On December 20, 2012, fears of a Mayan-predicted apocalypse gripped Earth, causing panic in some parts of the world, including the stockpiling of vodka in Russia. In this podcast, Maya expert David Stuart—who helped translate some of the relevant Mayan texts—debunks the notion, arguing the Mayan calendar's end marked a cycle, not doomsday. Find some reassurance in his words here.
Discoveries in Belize's Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave suggest the cave was once a significant site for sacred Mayan ceremonies in antiquity. New research reveals how the Mayans conducted rituals to re-enact a specific creation myth, often staged in desperate times and aimed to invoke the gods for a "rebirth" amid drought and turmoil. Read more on the enigmatic research here.
The ancient Maya adorned their teeth with gemstones, believing it purified their breath and linking them to the divine. Recent analysis suggests the sealant used to attach these stones may have also had therapeutic properties, possibly preventing infections. Researchers found plant resins and gums in the sealants, with some containing compounds from pine trees known for their antibacterial properties. Learn more of the evidence around Maya dental practices here.
Need to know about the Mayan people in the next five minutes? Watch this short video to learn more about the civilization that once dominated Mesoamerica. It peaked between 250 and 900 CE but has roots as far back as 1,800 BCE in the Yucatan peninsula as well as modern-day Belize and Guatemala. The culture made amazing developments in math, astronomy, and agriculture and endures among many indigenous people today.
Maya society was structured on four main classes: nobility, priesthood, commoners, and slaves. The most powerful ruler held ultimate political authority and was succeeded by a son or by council selection. Nobles managed provinces and collected tributes, while priests wielded significant influence, performing religious duties—including human sacrifice. Common farmers and laborers supported the upper classes and had more right than slaves, typically composed of prisoners of war and criminals. This hierarchical division arguably allowed the Maya to produce architectural marvels and maintain social stability.
Avid fans of archaeology can sometimes fall prey to unsubstantiated claims like "aliens built the pyramids," provocative, dubious theories which fall under the category of pseudo-archaeology. Many of these claims are premised on hidden biases toward non-Western cultural heritages. This professor explores the hidden contours of pseudo-archaeology in this 12-minute TED talk.
Carved from jadeite, these Mayan ornaments known as "earflares" were believed to serve as portals to the divine, symbolizing sacred pathways into supernatural realms. Jade was valued for its rarity and durability which gave rise to beliefs it symbolized timelessness and vitality. The stone is also difficult to craft intricately, making fine ornaments particularly valued. Earflares were regarded as living entities, imbued with spiritual significance. Find out more here
The Mayan hieroglyphic script was the only true writing system developed in the Americas prior to European colonization. Examples of the millennia-old script have been discovered on stone pillars, pottery, and texts known as codices. Here’s a Maya writing system study guide for the high achievers among us.
The Maya village of Ceren in El Salvador was preserved by volcanic ash from 1,400 years ago, revealing insights into ancient Maya commoners' lives. Ceren villagers had autonomy in their daily activities, and excavations reveal evidence of communal decision-making and event hints at the presence of a community sauna. Dive into more of the archaeological finds on how businesses were run, how they prepared for disaster, and more.
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