K'atun

A K'atun is a time period in the Mayan calendar, lasting approximately 20 years. The Mayans employed a complex system of timekeeping, where K'atuns are part of a larger cycle known as the Long Count calendar. Each K'atun is made up of 20 Tun, which each represent a year. K'atuns were significant in Mayan society for tracking historical events and for agricultural and ceremonial purposes. The completion of a K'atun often marked important cultural and spiritual milestones, making it a crucial element of the Mayan understanding of time and history.