Concepts of Time and Ancient Calendars

Western vs. Non-Western Concepts of Time

• Western Civilization: Linear time
• Rest of the World: Cyclical time (no beginning, no end)
• Example: Ancient Maya calendars were cyclical

Types of Calendars

• Ancient Maya Calendars
  • 260-day sacred calendar
  • 365-day solar calendar (18 months of 20 days + 5 unlucky days)
• Examples of Other Sacred Calendars
  • Julian calendar (used by conservative Orthodox Christians)
  • Gregorian calendar (commonly used)

Maya Calendar Systems

• Sacred Calendar: 260 days
• Solar Calendar: 365 days
• Long Count Calendar: Start date August 13, 1314 BC, end date December 23, 2012

Century in Maya Civilizations

• A century referred to 52 years

Influence on Other Civilizations

Adoption from Previous Civilizations

• Maya adopted gods from the Olmecs
  • Example: Quetzalcoatl (Kukulkan) and the Maize God

Maya Architecture and Historical Significance

Pyramids

• Built over existing smaller pyramids
• Provided historical insights (e.g., ball games)
• Archaeology: Ground-penetrating radar helps discover buried cities

Decline of Maya Civilization

• Factors: Demographic and ecological stress, drought
• Usage and study of tree rings for drought evidence (Dendrochronology)

Toltecs and Aztecs

• Post-classic period after the Maya
• Known as Chichimecas (lineage of dog people)
• Migration north to south
• Toltecs: Adopted Maya customs and religion
• Aztecs: Settled in the Valley of Mexico guided by gods (Huitzilopochtli)
  • Symbol: Cactus with a bird and snake (Mexican flag)
  • Developed hydroponic agriculture (Chinampas)

Agricultural Techniques

• Chinampas or Floating Gardens
  • Three harvests per year
  • Contributed to high population growth

Impact of European Contact

• Demographic Catastrophe: Lethal diseases (smallpox, flu) brought by Europeans
  • Resulted in a significant population decline (95%)