Ancient Maya Metropolis

Introduction

• The ancient Maya civilization was a sophisticated society with complex cities, art, and writing.
• Their pyramids lay abandoned in Central America for centuries.
• Despite the decline of their great cities over a thousand years ago, the Maya people continue to survive and thrive today.

Maya Civilization Overview

• Developed cities in Mesoamerica with advanced mathematics, agriculture, and astronomy.
• Known for towering pyramids, elaborate temples, and vibrant art and pottery.
• Their hieroglyphs were a readable written language across the Maya world.
• The Maya were based in Southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, and El Salvador.
• Millions of Maya people still live in these regions today.

Archaeological Discoveries

• Francisco Estrada-Belli: Began working in the Southern Maya Lowlands in 1987.
• Diane and Arlen Chase: Used LiDAR technology at Caracol to reveal a vast metropolis under the jungle.
  • LiDAR allows mapping of cities by penetrating the jungle canopy.
  • Caracol was a city of 100,000 people, the seventh-largest in the world at its peak.
• Jaime Awe: Former head of the Institute of Archaeology in Belize, works with the Maya community.

Social and Political Structure

• The Maya were governed by divine rulers considered intermediaries with the deities.
• Cities were interconnected through trade and alliances.
• Major centers included Caracol, Tikal, and Calakmul.
• The concept of k'uhul ajaw or divine lordship was central to their society.

Decline of the Maya Cities

• The decline began around 750 A.D. with cities being abandoned by the year 900.
• Reasons for abandonment include climate fluctuations, reliance on corn, and political instability.
• Juliet Hoggarth: Studies factors of disruption in ancient Maya life using bone analysis and high precision radiocarbon dating.
• Speleothems indicate severe droughts during the ninth century.

Cultural and Ritual Practices

• Rituals and ceremonies were central to Maya life and politics.
• Bloodletting and sacrifices were performed to appease gods, especially during times of distress.
• Caves were considered sacred places for rituals, offerings, and sacrifices.

Recent Discoveries

• The Komkom vase, found at Baking Pot, provides a detailed narrative of Maya history during their decline.
  • The longest hieroglyphic text on a vase ever found.
  • Describes a power struggle between Maya rulers and war events.

Legacy and Continuation

• The Maya civilization's decline was not a complete collapse but a transition.
• Northern cities thrived post-abandonment of Southern cities until the Spanish arrival.
• Modern Maya continue to preserve their language, culture, and traditions despite historical adversities.