Advanced Knowledge of the Mayan Civilization

By RHANDEL LOPEZ

In the almost total isolation of the tropical lands of the Yucatán Peninsula, the Maya developed a science-based civilization more than 1,000 years before European explorers arrived. Overlooking the emerald rainforest were their majestic skylines. Architectural wonders with magnificent carvings adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions, these wonders were stunners. This sophisticated urban center was the largest on Earth during the middle of the first millennium A.D. More than technologically stunning works of art and architecture, the sprawling Maya city-states were conceived to overwhelm observers with a sense of wonder. In addition to being centers of power, these cities were incubators of science and technology, places of learning, and hubs of commercial activity that generated wealth for the kingdom.

After the demise of the Maya civilization, these magnificent cities survived against all odds for more than a millennium. Due to the innovative Maya technology employed during their construction, the structures have remained intact despite environmental degradation, the ravages of time, natural disasters, and the prying roots of the jungle. These brilliant societies developed scientific advances and technological methods of discovery that were a millennium ahead of those produced by European sciences to preserve their cities. It is even more impressive that these technological advances were created without the influence of outside cultures, unlike in Europe.

Maya cities were designed and built on a grand scale with functional efficiency and artistic elegance. Each city was a triumph of grace and power, with its monumental palaces and temples. There are no other styles of architecture like Mayan. Unlike any different culture in Mesoamerica and any other world style of architecture, its inventive design is alien and bizarre. Where did this style originate? Their art style also inspires their veneration of the cosmos and its impact on the Maya civilization's philosophy. Ancient Egypt had fewer cities and pyramids than the Maya civilization, which was among history's longest-lived cultures. More than 50 independent city-states governed the Maya world, spread out over 125,000 square miles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DTTV PUBLICATIONS
• Release date: Jun 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201820336

Book preview

RHANDEL LOPEZ

In the almost total isolation of the tropical lands of the Yucatán Peninsula, the Maya developed a science-based civilization more than 1,000 years before European explorers arrived. Overlooking the emerald rainforest were their majestic skylines. Architectural wonders with magnificent carvings adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions, these wonders were stunners. This sophisticated urban center was the largest on Earth during the middle of the first millennium A.D. More than technologically stunning works of art and architecture, the sprawling Maya city-states were conceived to overwhelm observers with a sense of wonder. In addition to being centers of power, these cities were incubators of science and technology, places of learning, and hubs of commercial activity that generated wealth for the kingdom.

After the demise of the Maya civilization, these magnificent cities survived against all odds for more than a millennium. Due to the innovative Maya technology employed during their construction, the structures have remained intact despite environmental degradation, the ravages of time, natural disasters, and the prying roots of the jungle. These brilliant societies developed scientific advances and technological methods of discovery that were a millennium ahead of those produced by European sciences to preserve their cities. It is even more impressive that these technological advances were created without the influence of outside cultures, unlike in Europe.

Maya cities were designed and built on a grand scale with functional efficiency and artistic elegance. Each city was a triumph of grace and power, with its monumental palaces and temples. There are no other styles of architecture like Mayan. Unlike any different culture in Mesoamerica and any other world style of architecture, its inventive design is alien and bizarre. Where did this style originate? Their art style also inspires their veneration of the cosmos and its impact on the Maya civilization's philosophy. Ancient Egypt had fewer cities and pyramids than the Maya civilization, which was among history's longest-lived cultures. More than 50 independent city-states governed the Maya world, spread out over 125,000 square miles.

More than a millennium of Maya civilization was powered by royals, scribes, scientists, intellectuals, and merchants in Maya cities.

A society like this did not exist in the annals of lost prehistory, for which historical dating had to be carried out by scientific means. By deciphering the written inscriptions and using the precise calendar system of the Maya, we have established the chronology of historical events with some exactitude. After they were rediscovered, their unique writing style remained unsolvable for a century after they were once considered an unsolvable puzzle. Brilliant epigraphers had to break the code for it to become readable. A historical novel unfolds as the chronology of their events, epic adventures, and scientific messages unfold. Throughout history, the world has become aware of the accomplishments and thoughts of this civilization.

There is ample evidence that this culture achieved great things. The Classic Period buildings have been preserved with inscribed art integrated into their facades by archaeologists. Translations of Maya books and other written documentation have revealed additional Maya accomplishments.

Academic research devoted to the Maya has primarily overlooked the technological achievements of Maya engineers, despite a continuing fascination with their accomplishments. Technological advances enabled the residents of the world's densest urban centers to survive, maintain good health, and live a more comfortable life.

Maya society survived and thrived despite the challenges of their unstable tropical environment, one with a lack of rainwater, poor soil conditions, and no access to surface water. Engineers in the Maya culture developed efficient water-management systems and agricultural techniques that enabled their society to flourish despite shortfalls.

During the eighth and ninth centuries, the Maya experienced their golden age. Ancient Egypt's Classic Period cities were characterized by dramatic architecture, with high-rise pyramids in brilliant colors and smooth stucco coated over grand plazas. Temples atop stepped pyramids towered above art-adorned palaces, universities, ball courts, and public buildings. These large city centers had artistically designed buildings and elevated paved roads connecting them. There were many awe-inspiring cityscapes created during the Classic Period. Those who viewed the stunning art and architecture were intended to be astonished.

The city's cityscape is dotted with paved routes that extend into the hinterland. The all-weather road system smoothed the way for travelers along the tangled and slick jungle floor. These roads served as intercity transportation systems for trade and communications with other city-states. They served as the city states' centers of politics, religion, education, science, and business. A Maya intellectual hierarchy was responsible for maintaining the state's wealth and the quality of life for more than 1,000 years.

The Maya culture has been in the spotlight since the 19th century, when the Maya civilization was rediscovered. Western nations are astonished by their achievements in astronomy, mathematics, calendrics, and written languages. They had the most advanced scientific and technological achievements of any civilization on Earth at the height of their culture.