GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF THE MAYANS (AND TEMPORAL) - HISTORY

The geographical location of the Mayans covers a fairly large area: there are more than 350,000 square kilometers that cover areas of Mexico, Honduras, Belize and Guatemala. The Mayan civilization was present in this territory for more than two thousand years.

The oldest records of this culture correspond to 2000 BC. C., when the first inhabitants began to become sedentary and created the first populations, which had their corresponding social structures.

The Mayans covered the territory of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. Source: Yavidaxiu

This civilization saw its end in 1697, in the 16th century, when the Spanish conquest was finally completed in the region. The most important historical moment for the Mayan culture was between 250 and 900 AD. C.: It was at that time when it had a very important boom.

Geographic characteristics

Three main zones: high, southern low and northern low

Highlands

The Mayan highlands are located in Chiapas and in the southern part of Guatemala. They have a much cooler climate than that perceived in the lower areas. Likewise, the soils are fertile and allowed the Maya to explore many different types of crops.

These lands are vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis due to their geological conditions; However, this area was the scene of important political and social centers for civilization.

Southern lowlands

They include the northernmost area of Guatemala, specifically the current department of Petén and the areas close to this geographical point.

At the beginning of 2018, a new Mayan city with some 60,000 constructions was discovered in this area, indicating that the southern lowlands represented one of the most populated points of civilization. In fact, it is estimated that more than 10 million individuals lived there.

This area is quite jungle and flat, as it does not have very extensive mountain formations. Its climatic zones have been categorized as warm subtropical humid and very humid forest.

Northern lowlands

This region comprises almost the entire Yucatan Peninsula, located in Mexico. This area corresponds to the northernmost of Mesoamerica and has extensive plains.

It is believed that the Mayans who lived there came from Petén, located just a little higher. The highest mountain in this area is 210 meters above sea level and is the Benito Juárez hill.

Biological wealth

The area where the Mayans settled was characterized by being very rich in the biological field. In fact, this region is one of the most biologically diverse in the world.

All this great diversity is given by the varied characteristics of the territory in its entirety. The different geographical features allow the development of very different types of life.

Mineral deposits

Especially the high Mayan areas were home to a large number of mineral deposits. Minerals were very special for the Mayans, as they were part of the elements used in rituals and sacred ceremonies.

In Mayan territory there is one of the most important jade deposits in the world; in fact, it is the only jade deposit located in America. In this region there is also an abundant presence of obsidian and serpentine.

Presence of ancient volcanic systems

The region occupied by the Mayans was characterized by having a large number of volcanoes, many of them still active. The main Mayan volcanic zone was located in the southern area of the highlands.

Main locations / cities in Mexico

Chichen Itza

This ancient city is located in the Yucatan peninsula and was one of the main cities of the Mayan culture. This site is considered so important and impressive that it is part of the new wonders of the world.

In Chichen Itzá you will find one of the most characteristic pyramids of the Mayan civilization: it is the Kukulkan pyramid, which is about 25 meters high and where you can see the Mayan calendar.

Uxmal

This city was named by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Among its many buildings, the Pyramid of the Magician stands out, which is about 35 meters high.

The city of Uxmal is located within the jungle, so its access is somewhat limited. According to archaeological records, this city was created to honor the god of rain and thus receive his favors, as there were no natural sources of water in Uxmal.

Ek Balam

It was a fairly populated site, it is estimated that more than 15,000 people lived in it. One of the most outstanding characteristics of Ek Balam is the presence of great walls that were intended to defend its inhabitants from foreign invasions.

Another very striking element of this Mayan site is that there is the tomb of one of the most important kings of this civilization: Ukit Kan Le'k Tok '.

Main locations / cities in Guatemala

Iximche

It is located in the department of Chimaltenango, specifically in the Tecpán municipality. It has more than 170 buildings and covers an area of more than 3 square kilometers.

This city was quite protected: the main gates were built with obsidian and had a deep artificially made moat.

Another of the striking characteristics of Iximché is that in the middle of the buildings there are vestiges of a large central courtyard, in which the inhabitants used to carry out social and sports activities.

It was precisely in this location that the first capital city of the colonial era was founded, during 1524: it was called Ciudad de Santiago.

Tikal

In 1979 Tikal was declared by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. It is the largest Mayan city in Guatemala and the largest excavated site in the American continent.

According to archaeological records, the Mayans left this city in a hurry and their presence was unknown until 1848, when the merchant Ambrosio Tut discovered some temples and informed the ruler of that time, Modesto Méndez.

The city occupies 576 square kilometers, a fairly large area that is completely surrounded by dense jungle.

Quiriguá

It is located northeast of Guatemala, towards the lowlands. This is one of the Mayan cities that have been best preserved so far.

The entire site occupies about 34 hectares and is surrounded by a tropical rain forest that is home to a large number of endemic fauna and flora. There you can find various sculptures and buildings that surround a large central square.

Main locations / cities in Belize

Snail

It is the largest site in Belize. It is located in the Cayo district and covers about 170 square kilometers.

The largest temple in Belize is located in this city; It is the Canaa temple, which has a height of 46 meters. In addition, this city has an astronomical observatory and five large squares.

Cahal Pech

It is also located in the Cayo district. It has a significant number of buildings: 34 buildings, seven courtyards and several courts for the ball game.

Cahal Pech is one of the oldest cities, as it is considered that its inhabitants lived there in 900 BC. C. The tallest building in the city is 25 meters high and has an archaeological excavation area that can be visited.

Lamanai

The ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai are very well preserved. This is located in northern Belize and it is believed that its most prominent period was between the 4th and 1st centuries BC. C.

In one of the central squares of the city there is a very striking sculpture that represents the head of a jaguar.

Main locations / cities in Honduras

Stubble

This city is located in an inaccessible space and, according to the researchers, it was a site clearly dedicated to war.

It is believed that Rastrojón was a space in which nobles and kings protected themselves in the midst of strong conflicts that took place at that time. This space is located on a mountain, which allowed the Mayans to be prepared to face their opponents, as they anticipated their arrival thanks to the privileged view.

Copan

Its 120 hectares make it the largest Mayan city in Honduras. In Copán there are a large number of sculptures that tell the story of those who populated this space.

For example, several of these sculptures were built to venerate the kings of this city, and thanks to this record it has been discovered that Copán was ruled by 16 different kings.

One of the most peculiar characteristics of this site is the existence of a system of tunnels located 4 kilometers below one of the main constructions, the Acropolis, which is 30 meters high.

In addition, in the city is the Altar Q, a construction considered of great historical importance due to the fact that the names of all the characters who ruled this site are carved on one of the sides.

Nunez Chinchilla

At this site, which is part of the Copán archaeological park, 23 different and imposing structures have been found.

Likewise, there are about 145 burials, where you can see the items that the Mayans gave as offerings to the gods through whom they died.

References

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