Definition: The Maya Civilization occupied the central American continent, including the south parts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. In general, researchers tend to split the Maya into the Highland and Lowland.
Early Formative [2500-1000 BC] - Beans and maize as part of generalized hunting and gathering.
Middle Formative [1000-400 BC] - Full-fledged farming, trade goods such as obsidian, jade, and feathers, Olmec contacts, stratified society at Nakbe between 600-400 BC.
Late Formative [400 BC-AD 250]- First massive palaces, at Nakbe and El Mirador Large stone sculptures and fancy burials developed; and so did widespread warfare.
Classic [AD 250-900] - A writing system, calendars and royal lineages at Copan and Tikal. Connections with Teotihuacan at Kaminaljuyu. Populations peak at almost 100 per square kilometer. Paramount kings and polities at Tikal, Calakmul, Caracol, and Dos Pilos.
Post-Classic [AD 900-1500] - Some centers abandoned, written records cease, Puuc hill country flourishes, rural towns continue to prosper until the Spanish arrive in 1517.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Early Formative [2500-1000 BC] - Beans and maize as part of generalized hunting and gathering.
Middle Formative [1000-400 BC] - Full-fledged farming, trade goods such as obsidian, jade, and feathers, Olmec contacts, stratified society at Nakbe between 600-400 BC.
Late Formative [400 BC-AD 250]- First massive palaces, at Nakbe and El Mirador Large stone sculptures and fancy burials developed; and so did widespread warfare.
Classic [AD 250-900] - A writing system, calendars and royal lineages at Copan and Tikal. Connections with Teotihuacan at Kaminaljuyu. Populations peak at almost 100 per square kilometer. Paramount kings and polities at Tikal, Calakmul, Caracol, and Dos Pilos.
Post-Classic [AD 900-1500] - Some centers abandoned, written records cease, Puuc hill country flourishes, rural towns continue to prosper until the Spanish arrive in 1517.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
