the Mayan civilization

The Mayan civilization was a sophisticated Mesoamerican culture that flourished from around 2000 BCE to 1500 CE in present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Known for their advanced writing system, impressive architecture, mathematics, and astronomical achievements, the Maya built majestic cities with pyramids, palaces, and temples. They developed a complex calendar and hieroglyphic script, and engaged in agriculture, trade, and religious rituals. Despite periods of decline and city abandonment around 900 CE, they continued to exist in smaller communities until Spanish contact in the 16th century. The Maya remain an important cultural and historic legacy today.