Who Were The Mayans?
Ancient South American Mesoamerican Civilization
The Mayan civilization spread all over Southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, and had influences in many other South American countires.
The Maya are well known for the only fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as its art, architecture, mathematical and astronomical systems.
"The tribes were ruled by hereditary chiefs, descended in the male line, who delegated authority over village communities to local chieftains."
Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia
The Maya never disappeared, even with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores and the subsequent Spanish colonization of the Americas.
At its peak, it was one of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies in the world. Today, the Maya and their descendants form sizable populations throughout the Maya area and maintain a distinctive set of traditions and beliefs.
"The Mayan religion centered about the worship of a large number of nature gods. Chac, a god of rain, was especially important."
Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia
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