Maya Civilization Timeline

Division of Timeline

• The timeline of the Maya Civilization is divided into three major periods:
  • Pre-classic Period (2000 BC to 250 AD)
  • Classic Period (250 AD to 900 AD)
  • Post-classic Period (900 AD to 1500 AD)

Pre-classic Period (2000 BC to 250 AD)

• Start of Maya civilization to 250 AD, marking the golden age.
• Key Developments:
  • 2000 BC: Formation of farming villages.
  • 1500 BC: Development of the Olmec civilization, influencing Maya culture.
  • 1000 BC: Formation of larger settlements, e.g., Copan and Chalchuapa.
  • 700 BC: Development of Mayan writing.
  • 600 BC: Construction of large buildings in El Mirador.
  • 600 BC: Farming begins, supporting larger populations and city growth.
  • 600 BC: Formation of Tikal, a future major city.
  • 400 BC: First Mayan calendars carved.
  • 300 BC: Adoption of monarchy, ruled by kings.
  • 100 BC: Establishment of Teotihuacan, influencing Maya culture.
  • 100 BC: Construction of the first pyramids.

Classic Period (250 AD to 900 AD)

• Golden age of the Maya city-states.
• Significant Events:
  • 400 AD: Teotihuacan becomes dominant in Maya highlands.
  • 560 AD: Tikal defeated by city-state alliance.
  • 600 AD: Decline of Teotihuacan as a cultural center.
  • 600 AD: Rise of Caracol as a major force.
  • 900 AD: Collapse of southern lowland cities and abandonment of Teotihuacan. End of the Classic period.

Post-classic Period (900 AD to 1500 AD)

• Continued thriving of northern Yucatan cities.
• Key Events:
  • 925 AD: Chichen Itza becomes a dominant city-state for 200 years.
  • 1250 AD: Decline and abandonment of Chichen Itza.
  • 1283 AD: Mayapan becomes capital; formation of the League of Mayapan.
  • 1441 AD: Rebellion against Mayapan; city abandoned by late 1400s.
  • 1517 AD: End of the Post-classic period with Spanish arrival.

Colonial Period (1500 AD)

• 1519 AD: Hernan Cortes explores the Yucatan Peninsula.
• 1541 AD: Maya city-states conquered by the Spanish.
• 1542 AD: Founding of Merida by the Spanish.
• 1695 AD: Discovery of Tikal ruins by a lost Spanish priest.