history of the Mayan civilization is full of mysteries.One of them - the reason for the sudden disappearance of this ancient people, reached a surprisingly high level of cultural development.
Origin and habitat area
Maya, one of the civilizations of Mesoamerica, began to take shape around 2000 BC.e.It was formed on the territory of the Mexican states of Tabasco and Yucatan, the countries of Guatemala and Belize, Honduras and El Salvador.The area in which to live these ancient tribes, divided into three climatic zones: arid and rocky mountain areas and areas of tropical forest with rich fauna.
Regarding the origin of the people, as well as about where the Maya were gone, there are several theories.There is a version of what they have come from Asia, and even the fantastic assumption that the descendants of the inhabitants of the mythical Atlantis.Another theory says that they came from Palestine.The evidence led by the fact that many elements of Maya religion similar to the Christian (the idea of the Messiah, the symbol of the cross).In addition, the architecture of this nation is much like the Egyptian, and this suggests that it is somehow associated with ancient Egypt.
Mayans: the history of a great civilization
Researchers lucky - there are numerous sources on which you can create a picture of the life of this ancient people.Its history is divided into several large periods.
In the pre-classical era of the Mayan Indians were small tribes, producing food by hunting and gathering.Around 1000 BC.e.there is a lot of small communities of farmers.El Mirador - one of the first cities of the Maya, now known for its huge pyramidal complex in height of 72 meters.It was the largest metropolis of the pre-classic period.
next era (400 BC. E. - 250 AD. E.) Is characterized by great changes in the lives of the Indians.There is a rapid growth of cities, erected monumental architectural complexes.
250-600 years.n.e.- During the classical era of civilization of the ancient people of Mesoamerica.During this period, we developed competing with each other city-states.Their architecture was represented by lush architectural structures.Usually buildings arranged around a rectangular central square and decorated with masks of gods and mythological figures carved in stone.History Mayan said that feature was the presence of settlements in the center of the cities of the pyramids up to 15 meters.
By the end of the classical period, the population of low-lying areas of Guatemala reached an impressive number of 3 million people.
Late Classic period - the heyday of the ancient culture of the people of Mesoamerica.Then it was founded the great city - Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Coba.The population of each of them ranged from 10 to 25 thousand people.Mayan history can not but be surprised - this time in medieval Europe did not have such large settlements.
Activities and Crafts Maya
main occupations of the Indians were farming (slash and burn and irrigation), beekeeping and crafts.Grown maize (main crop), beans, tomatoes, pumpkins, various types of pepper, tobacco, cotton, sweet potatoes and a variety of seasonings.Cocoa was an important crop.
Engaged Mayan and growing fruit.It is difficult to tell which fruit trees were cultured.Residents used to eat papaya, avocado, Ramon chikosapote, Nancy, Marañon.
Despite the high level of development, Maya never stopped watching and gathering.The leaves of palm trees were used as roofing material for roofing and raw materials for weaving baskets, collected resin was used as incense, and from Koros prepared meal.
Hunting and fishing are also included among the main occupations of the Indians.
From archaeological research it is clear that in the Yucatan and Guatemala lived skilled craftsmen: gunsmiths, weavers, jewelers, sculptors and architects.
Architecture
Maya known for its majestic buildings: pyramidal complexes and palaces of the rulers.In addition, they created beautiful sculptures and bas-reliefs, which were the main motives anthropomorphic deity.
Sacrifice
Among the surviving buildings of the main part of the building occupied by a religious nature.This fact and other sources suggest that religion occupies in the life of the Maya center stage.They are known for their bloodletting rituals and human sacrifices of the gods.The most severe of the ceremonies were burying the victims alive, and the ripping of the stomach and tearing the heart out of the body is still a living person.They sacrificed not only the prisoners, but the tribesmen.
mystery of the disappearance of people
question about where the lost Maya continues to interest many researchers.It is known that the IX century the southern Indian territory began to empty.For some reason, the people began to leave the city.Soon, the process spread to the central Yucatan.Where did the Mayas and why they left their homes?This question has no answer.There are hypotheses that attempt to explain the sudden disappearance of one of the peoples of Mesoamerica.Researchers call the following reasons: the enemy invasion, the bloody rebellion, epidemics and ecological disaster.Perhaps Maya disrupt the balance between nature and man.Rapidly growing population completely depleted natural resources and began to experience serious problems with the lack of fertile soil and drinking water.
latter hypothesis about the decline of Mayan civilization suggests that this was due to the severe drought, which led to the devastation of cities.
None of these theories will not receive confirmation, and the question about where the lost Mayan remains open.
Modern Maya
ancient peoples of Mesoamerica have not disappeared completely.He remained in his descendants - modern Mayans.They continue to live in the homeland of their famous ancestors - in Guatemala and Mexico, while maintaining language, customs and way of life.
