The Fascinating History of Mayan Calendars and Advanced Writing System

The Mayans: A Civilization Ahead of Their Time

The Mayans were an ancient civilization that thrived in Central America from approximately 2000 BCE to 1500 CE. They were known for their advanced knowledge in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, architecture, and writing.

The Mayan Calendar: A Masterpiece of Timekeeping

One of the most remarkable achievements of the Mayans is their highly accurate calendar system. Unlike the Gregorian calendar we use today, the Mayan calendar was based on complex mathematical calculations and astronomical observations.

The Long Count Calendar

The Mayans used a calendar known as the Long Count to record historical events and mark the passage of time. This calendar was based on a cycle of 5,125 years, and it is believed that it started on August 11, 3114 BCE. The Long Count calendar comprised various units of time, including baktun, katun, tun, uinal, and kin.

The Mayans' Calendars and Advanced Writing System - History Books Age 9-12 | Children's History Books

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The Tzolk'in: The Sacred Calendar

Another important calendar used by the Mayans was the Tzolk'in, also known as the Sacred Round. It consisted of 260 days and played a significant role in Mayan religious and divinatory practices. The Tzolk'in combined 20 different named days with 13 numbers, creating a unique calendar system that repeated every 260 days.

The Haab': The Civil Calendar

The Haab' was the Mayan civil calendar, often referred to as the "vague year." It consisted of 365 days divided into 18 months of 20 days each, with the addition of a 5-day period called the Wayeb'. The Haab' and the Tzolk'in worked in conjunction to create the Calendar Round, which repeated every 52 years.

The Mayan Writing System: Hieroglyphs Revealed

The Mayans had a sophisticated writing system that consisted of hieroglyphic symbols. This system allowed them to record historical events, religious rituals, and even astronomical data. The Mayan writing system was one of the most advanced in the ancient world.

The Decipherment of Mayan Hieroglyphs

For many years, Mayan hieroglyphs remained a mystery to scholars. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, significant progress was made in deciphering their meaning. Key breakthroughs, such as the decipherment of the Dresden Codex, provided valuable insights into Mayan history and culture.

The Complexity of Mayan Hieroglyphs

The Mayan writing system was composed of various symbols representing different sounds and concepts. The complexity of the hieroglyphs made it a difficult code to crack, but determined linguists and archaeologists persevered. Today, we have a much better understanding of many Mayan texts and inscriptions.

Learning from the Mayans: Inspiring the Curiosity of Children

The history of the Mayans is a captivating subject that can engage the curiosity of children. Exploring their complex calendar system and writing system can spark interest in mathematics, astronomy, and history. Understanding the achievements of ancient civilizations broadens children's horizons and encourages them to embrace new knowledge.

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The Mayans left behind a remarkable legacy with their advanced calendar system and intricate writing system. Their accomplishments continue to fascinate historians and archaeologists, providing valuable insights into the past. By studying the Mayans, children can deepen their appreciation for ancient civilizations and gain a new perspective on the world.

The Mayans' Calendars and Advanced Writing System - History Books Age 9-12 | Children's History Books

by Baby Professor (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4598 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	64 pages

FREE

The Mayan calendar was one that calculated the end of the world. It once brought historians, philosophers and thinkers fear of the coming doom. In this book, however, we are going to look at the topic objectively. We are not going to focus on the prophecies. We are only going to appreciate the fact that the Mayans were very advanced of their time. Read history books today!