Mayan civilization is full of mysteries.The descendants of the Maya today inhabit some regions of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras and Belize.The jungles of Central America have kept dozens of cities founded by representatives of the oldest and one of the most mysterious civilizations.They left of them only ruins, but they allow you to tell a lot about what was the culture of the Maya.The museums of the world is still kept a large number of items of ceramics, jewelry, statuettes, which once belonged to them.Until recently, the culture of the people knew very little.Names of cities, the names of artists and priests were an unsolved mystery.
Only when in the hands of researchers got the manuscript "Chilam Balam", written in Latin in the Mayan language, they were able to draw mythological, historical and astronomical information.
the time of the arrival of the conquistadors Mayan tribes were settled in the vast territory of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco part, the western regions of El Salvador, Chiapas, and many others.Civilization was born in the first century AD.Mayan culture experienced its heyday in the 7-8 century AD.It was at this time were created the most significant creations of architecture, sculpture, painting, Maya.
Already in the 9th century, life in many cities virtually stopped.Stopped appearing temples and palaces, freezes construction disappear altars.Almost completely freezes scientific life, emptying palaces and shops.Scientists are still arguing about what caused the decline of civilization.The most plausible hypothesis is today considered the hypothesis of foreign invasion, which was the cause of the destruction of cities and the expulsion of these people.
existed for a relatively short period of time, civilization has left behind a lot of evidence that its representatives have an amazing wealth of knowledge.Mayan culture was developed so that its achievements are striking even today.The Mayan calendar is a system of calendars, each of which is applied with a religious and practical purposes.Horoscope became the first in the world, which is used to determine the favorable periods for ceremonies, sowing, etc.
Mayan astronomers also established a lunar calendar, not having before telescopes or any other equipment.They were able to calculate the duration of the year, to measure the phases of Venus and the Moon.These calendars have been relatively short-lived.For a long time for calculating the applicable calendar "Long Count."That is according to him the planet in 2012, should cease to exist.
Mayan culture was quite diverse.She was represented by the temple paintings, architecture and science.The Indians worshiped the sun, so the "sun theme" can be seen in most of the works of art.The temple mural artists use paints that are highly resistant.Their composition is not known even today.Valuable items are considered wooden figures of gods and deceased relatives.
monuments of architecture characterized by uniformity.Buildings were erected on the podium, often had a quadrangular or oval base.Maya created a whole city-state, which had been set in stone.About two hundred years ago, scientists discovered the city of Palenque.It is a work of art with the pyramids, palaces and temples.Features of development reached the sculpture.
This Maya existed pretty strange ideas about beauty.In their minds they were considered beautiful deformed skull, triangular teeth, squinting eyes.There they have very cruel rituals and tradition widely practiced human sacrifice to the ejection of the heart.
Art Mayan culture is peculiar and extraordinary, why it is so interesting for contemporary researchers.
