An introduction to the ancient Maya

Who were the ancient Maya?

The Maya people are remembered for amazing creations, like their spectacular buildings and beautiful objects made from jade, a rare and valuable material.

They also invented groundbreaking ideas which have helped shape the way we live our lives today. For example, it’s thought that the Maya invented the idea of 'zero'.

Jade Skirt giving a thumbs up in the ancient city of Yax Mutal

Maya people were able to do complex calculations, which allowed them to create very detailed and accurate calendars. They used these calendars for farming.

The late 19th century saw the beginning of proper study of the Maya people. Cities, statues, artefacts and cultural ornaments were uncovered, preserved and collected.

Where did the Maya live?

The Maya civilisation began long ago in a place called Mesoamerica. This huge area is made up of Mexico and part of Central America.

Map of important cities in Maya civilisation. — Image caption,
Important cities in Maya civilisation were Palenque, Calakmul, Tikal, Copán, Cobá and Chichen Itza.

Watch: What was the Maya civilisation?

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

When did Maya civilisation exist?

The Maya first developed their civilisation in around 2000 BC (the Pre-classic period).
This period from 250 AD to c900 AD is called the Classic period.
In around 1600 AD (the postclassic period) the Maya were conquered and destroyed by the Spanish invaders.
During the Maya civilisation, Britain went through the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages, including Stonehenge, to Roman Britain, Anglo-Saxon, Medieval and Tudor England.

What did Maya society look like?

Maya society was very complex with hundreds of cities, commoners, a middle class, nobles and the king and his royal court.

The Maya built amazing cities like Tikal (which they called Yax Mutal) and Palenque.

Even though they lived in different cities, ruled by different kings and queens, the Maya shared a lot of common beliefs and traditions.

Warfare and trade were important aspects of Maya society and so was art and architecture.

Have a look around the ruins of Tikal

Skip image gallery

Image caption,
Follow Jade Skirt as she shows you some of the interesting things that you can still find in Tikal.
Image caption,
This is the ancient city of Tikal. 1300 years ago it would have been called 'Yax Mutal' and was home to thousands of Maya people.
Image caption,
This is the Temple of the Great Jaguar. It's called this because, at the top, there used to be a large carving of king Jasaw Chan K'awiil sitting on a Jaguar throne.
Image caption,
This is a commemorative slab which was placed here in AD711. It represents the great leader Jasaw Chan K'awiil, who was buried in The Temple of the Great Jaguar.
Image caption,
Here is an ancient ball court. The games that the Mayas played here would have settled arguments between different cities.
Image caption,
This is the central Acropolis. It would have been home to members of the royal household.
Image caption,
This is the North Acropolis. It was a large cemetery, a place where some Maya people would be buried.
Image caption,
The city is surrounded by jungle. From the sky you can only see a couple of temples, including the Temple of the Great Jaguar.
Image caption,
This is an area called the 'Lost World'. It's where important ceremonial buildings used to be and is one of the oldest parts of the city.

They were experts at reading the stars and even built their cities as a map of the sky! They were also inspired by the creatures of the forest and shared many legends about animals, plants and nature spirits.

The Maya came up with the most well-developed system of writing in Mesoamerica, dating back to 300 BC. Almost all written texts were destroyed during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century AD.

What was happening in Britain?

Illustration showing that during Ancient Maya (2600BC - AD1600) the Bronze Age to 1066 was taking place in Britain.

Activities

Activity 1: Can you find the Maya on a map?

Activity 2: Quiz – Maya life

Activity 3: History Explorer game

Play this game to test your knowledge and learn even more facts about the ancient Maya.

Teaching resources

Looking for more ways to introduce your class to ancient Maya? In this short video clip, Akbal introduces students to life in the Maya civilisation, including the city's pyramids, buildings and the importance of maize to their civilisation.

BBC Teach has thousands of free, curriculum-linked resources to help deliver lessons - all arranged by subject and age group.