The origin of Mayan culture

Originated from Shang Dynasty in China.

There is evidence that the Mayans were descended from merchants who combined with the local people.

Where the Mayans originated is still a mystery. There are different opinions on its origin, and it is still difficult to determine. There are several sayings: immigrants from a certain country, or descendants of "lost tribes", or even descendants of aliens. This statement is puzzling, such as where the original body of the country came from and the appearance of alien immigrants, which have become mysteries in the history of archaeology. [ 1]

historical period

According to Qiranbalan, Mayan history can be divided into three periods: pre-classical period (

65438 BC +0500-AD 292), characterized by the formation of * * * culture, agricultural development, and began to settle down; In the classical period (AD 292-900), hieroglyphs, stone tablets and temples began to appear, the central region developed on a large scale, theocracy appeared, and the northern culture reached its peak in the later period. In the post-classical period (900- 1527), in its early period (900- 1250), cultural changes took place in the north and south. The Toltecs arrived in the central plateau, exercised political rule, imposed their religion, etiquette and customs on the Mayans, and established the Maya city, which was ruled by the Cocoa family. In the northern region, the integration of Mayan culture and Tortek culture produced the famous Mayan pan-civilization. In the later period (1250- 1527), Maya centers were abandoned one after another, and politics disintegrated, and some small towns fought with each other. 15 19, the Spanish colonial army general H. Cortes conquered Yucatan Peninsula and Guatemala. The Itza people in Tayaskar resisted the Spanish colonists because of their remoteness, and remained autonomous for a long time until 1627 when the whole Maya region was conquered.

Around16th century, several slave city-states were established, resulting in social strata, which were divided into nobles (including priests, ruling officials, military leaders and businessmen) and civilians (including craftsmen, farmers and slaves). Decentralized governance was implemented, chiefs governed several centers, and rural residents formed communes, retaining many remnants of the clan system. Worship nature, especially "Sun God" and "Rain God", with the patron saint "sumner" as the highest god. Engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture, planting corn (staple food), kidney beans, pumpkins and root plants, and raising turkeys and dogs. At the beginning of AD, hieroglyphs and calendars were created, and the decimal system was invented. He has made great achievements in mathematics and astronomy. Pottery, sculpture and painting are all superb. Arch buildings (trapezoidal pyramids, palaces, arches, etc.) are adopted. The centers of ancient civilizations were Tikal (in Guatemala's Peté n province), palenque (in Chiapas) and Copan (in Honduras). Modern Mayans are widely distributed and have the same social and cultural characteristics. After the Spanish colonists invaded, the Mayans were assimilated to varying degrees and basically merged with the residents of the host country. Due to the different historical, social, cultural and economic backgrounds of the host countries, Maya in different countries have their own characteristics in culture and other aspects.

The Mayans began to rise in 250 AD, and the period of 900 AD was called the classical period of Maya culture by archaeologists. At its peak, Mayan civilization included more than 40 cities, each with a population of 5,000-50,000. The main cities are Tikal, Uaxactun, Copan, Bonampak, Dos Pilas, Calakmul, Palenque and Rio Bec. At its peak, the Mayan population reached150,000, and most of them lived in the lowlands of Guatemala today.

After 900 AD, the Mayan civilization in the classical period declined sharply, and many big cities and sacrificial centers disappeared. The reason for the decline is not clear.

In the post-classical period, chichen itza, Smal, Mayapan and other cities in the high zone of Yucatan Peninsula continued to prosper for centuries after the population in the low zone decreased.

When the Spanish conquered this area at the beginning of the16th century, most Mayans settled in villages and observed the religious ceremonies of their ancestors.

Ethnic branch

Modern Mayans can be divided into the following branches according to language and geography:

The Yucatan Maya lived in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

, extending to northern Belize and northeastern Guatemala;

Lacandon, a minority, is located in the southern territory of Mexico, on the border between Usumacinta and Guatemala, and a few live in Guatemala and Belize;

The ethnic groups living in the highlands of eastern and central Guatemala include Quiche, Kekeqi, Picomoxi, Pocomam, Uspantek, CaKechker, Tusil and Zacaputek.

Ethnic groups living in the highlands of western Guatemala, including Mam, Teco, Aguacatec and Ixil.

Ethnic groups living in Huehuetenango province and its neighboring Mexican areas include Kanhawad, Motozintec, Tuzantek, Hakar Altec, Jacaltec and Toyolabal.

Tzotzil and Tzeltal, who live in Chiapas in southern Mexico, include ethnic groups who speak Chontal and Chol in Chiapas and Tabasco in northern Mexico, and Chol ethnic groups who live in the eastern end of Guatemala and have languages similar to the first two languages (Chol).

A member of the Huastec people living in northern Veracruz and neighboring SanLuisPotosi in central and eastern Mexico.

Maya culture is mainly divided into highland culture and lowland culture. Yucatan, Lakanton and Jontal-Joel cultures belong to lowland cultures. Vastecs belong to non-Mayan culture in language and geography; Other Maya people live in the highlands of Guatemala and belong to highland culture.