Maya Architecture
Every aspect of the Maya revolved around their religion and architecture was no different. Their easily recognizable, stair step pyramids were constructed for important religious ceremonies and where sacrifices took place. They were built with astronomy in mind, oriented with the movements of Venus, sun and/or moon.
Another important structure in Mayan culture was the ceremonial ball courts. Levels of society, from the commoners to the nobles, engaged in recreational ball games. However, like all aspects of Mayan life, this too had religious and spiritual importance. Often after a major battle, important prisoners of that war were forced to play ball as sort of a instant replay of the battle. The losers were ceremonially executed.
Another important structure in Mayan culture was the ceremonial ball courts. Levels of society, from the commoners to the nobles, engaged in recreational ball games. However, like all aspects of Mayan life, this too had religious and spiritual importance. Often after a major battle, important prisoners of that war were forced to play ball as sort of a instant replay of the battle. The losers were ceremonially executed.
Maya Achievements
The Maya culture produced many advancements, their most notable are centered, of course, around their system of beliefs. The temples especially were one of their most important achievements because those are where they sacrificed people and gave offerings of blood.
Another one of their achievements was the calendars. One of their calendars had 260 days which was a sacred calendar to keep track of days for religious events. The second and secular calendar had 365 days was for farming and harvesting purposes.
Chichén Itzá is a pyramid that incorporates astronomy and religious beliefs. This temple is positioned in a manner that when the sun sets on it two days per year it casts a shadow that resembles the Mayan serpent god. that appears to be slithering into the Earth.
Another one of their achievements was the calendars. One of their calendars had 260 days which was a sacred calendar to keep track of days for religious events. The second and secular calendar had 365 days was for farming and harvesting purposes.
Chichén Itzá is a pyramid that incorporates astronomy and religious beliefs. This temple is positioned in a manner that when the sun sets on it two days per year it casts a shadow that resembles the Mayan serpent god. that appears to be slithering into the Earth.