The Second Century: The Mayans In Mexico
The Mayans were one of the most well-known cultures in Mexico, originating in second century A.D. and back up again in the fifteenth century. The Mayan culture was divided into two great periods, the Classic Mayans (2nd century A.D.-10th century A.D.) and the Postclassic Mayans (9th century-15th century). The Classic Mayans occupied vast region of Southern Yucatán from Isthmus to Honduras. They believed in cyclical nature of life, which means, 1“…nothing was ever ‘born’ and nothing ever ‘died’- and this belief inspired their view of the gods and the cosmos. Their cosmological views, in turn, encouraged their imaginative efforts in architecture, mathematics and astronomy.” The Classic Mayans made advances in knowledge such as astronomical observation
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They developed very neat and advanced temples and pyramids for that time period. 2“Maya architecture traditionally enclosed a patio or courtyard. These so called ‘plazuela groups’ formed basic living units or household. Within site centers many of the large and important temple pyramids were located on the east side of the courtyard.” Mayan architecture was much like the Christian temples and palaces that were built during the same time, they had the core of the art work that contained a courtyard or something and built outward from there to maintain balance and stability. Known cities of the Mayans include, Tikai, Copan, Palenque, Cancuen, Uxmai, Kabah, Tulum, Sayil and Labna (these cities were named after the people who found them because no name of the city could be found in the remains). 3“Each Mayan city has its own unique form of art. Most of the cities incorporates some form of pyramid, whether it be a pyramid shaped doorway or an actual pyramid. Because the Mayan were an advanced civilization and were quite good at mathematics, art and building. We see geometry included in the layout of each city and shape of buildings in quadrangles, rectangles, triangles and squares.” The Mayans used a form of art in way that consisted of more than just a painting or sculpture of some meaning, they used science and mathematics in their architecture. They approached art in a whole different dimension, allowing us to establish the structure of buildings and foundations we have
They developed very neat and advanced temples and pyramids for that time period. 2“Maya architecture traditionally enclosed a patio or courtyard. These so called ‘plazuela groups’ formed basic living units or household. Within site centers many of the large and important temple pyramids were located on the east side of the courtyard.” Mayan architecture was much like the Christian temples and palaces that were built during the same time, they had the core of the art work that contained a courtyard or something and built outward from there to maintain balance and stability. Known cities of the Mayans include, Tikai, Copan, Palenque, Cancuen, Uxmai, Kabah, Tulum, Sayil and Labna (these cities were named after the people who found them because no name of the city could be found in the remains). 3“Each Mayan city has its own unique form of art. Most of the cities incorporates some form of pyramid, whether it be a pyramid shaped doorway or an actual pyramid. Because the Mayan were an advanced civilization and were quite good at mathematics, art and building. We see geometry included in the layout of each city and shape of buildings in quadrangles, rectangles, triangles and squares.” The Mayans used a form of art in way that consisted of more than just a painting or sculpture of some meaning, they used science and mathematics in their architecture. They approached art in a whole different dimension, allowing us to establish the structure of buildings and foundations we have