Maya are the most classic civilisation of the Mesoamerica and probably one of the best in the world as well. They originated in the Yucatán in 2600 B.C., although they rose to prominence in 250 A.D. Their prominence started from the present-day Guatemala, Southern Mexico Western Honduras and Northern Belize.Â
The Founder
John Lloyd Stephens was an American traveler and archaeologist. His constant exploration in the Middle America led him to the Maya Ruins in Central America and Mexico. Hence, he founded the archaeological site of Middle America. He was birthed on November 28, 1805 in New Jersey, America and died on October 12, 1852 in New York.Â
Lloyd’s Companion
John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood both set an expedition towards Central America in 1839. They fully reconnoitred Yucatán and Chiapas during their traverse and over the course of a year, they found numerous abandoned and forgotten Mayan cities. Lloyd and Catherwood imminently thought of documenting their quest as well – Catherwood held over the pictures and images department and Lloyd focused on writing in full detail.
While their stay in the Yucatán, Lloyd and Catherwood found a lost, ancient Mayan Temple. They located the temple near the Hacienda Uxmal farm – it was on the land of Maya City of Uxmal.Â
If we further dwell into the exact location, the temple is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico.
Aztecs And The Mayans
The Aztecs were Nahuatl speaking people who lived in Central America from 14th to 16th century. The Aztec people’s empire was covering almost each part of Mesoamerica. On then other hand, The Mayans settled in Northern Central America and Southern Mexico. Their territory was a wide one and also included the whole Yucatán peninsula.
Largest Mayan Temple
Fortunately, the oldest and largest historical monument built by the Mayans has been found in Mexico. The Aguada Fénix was built around 1000 B.C., way before the Mayans actually started building the stepped-pyramids and other such constructs. Aguda Fénix is a massive monument that is nearly 1.4 kilometres long.
How Did The Mayans Manage?
In true words, the Mayan civilisation was managed through a social structure that accounted to wealth and status. The upper strata of aristocrats managed the political, economical and religious matters. They also managed and organised the cities including building monuments and trading facilities.
How Did The Mayan Civilisation End
Hernán Cortés first reached out to the Itza Maya and other small scale civilisations in 1525. However things stayed normal for some years after that because the Spanish thought of not attacking for a while. Although in 1697, a fully planned and well-thought attack led by MartÃn de Urzúa y Arizmendi sought out the end of the last and final Maya Kingdom.
