8.3 Maya achievements in astronomy, mathematics, and writing

The Maya made incredible strides in astronomy, math, and writing. They created complex calendars, tracked celestial bodies, and built observatories. Their achievements laid the groundwork for advanced timekeeping and scientific observation in Mesoamerica.

In math, the Maya developed a base-20 system and the concept of zero. Their writing system combined logograms and syllabic signs, preserving history and knowledge. These innovations showcase the Maya's intellectual prowess and cultural sophistication.

Calendars and Astronomy

Long Count and Cyclical Calendars

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  Calendar Tzolk'in - Wikipedia View original

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  7/365: Mayan Calendar | This is a Mayan calendar. According … | Flickr View original

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  El Tzolkin, probablemente sea el calendario Maya más antiguo - Te interesa saber View original

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• Long Count calendar tracked historical events over vast periods of time
  • Based on a linear day count starting from a mythical creation date
  • Allowed for recording of precise dates and chronology of events
• Tzolk'in calendar was a sacred 260-day calendar used for religious ceremonies and divination
  • Consisted of 20 named days combined with 13 numbers, creating a cycle of 260 unique days
  • Each day had its own significance and associations with deities and natural phenomena
• Haab' calendar was a 365-day solar calendar used for agricultural and civil purposes
  • Divided into 18 months of 20 days each, plus a 5-day period considered unlucky (Wayeb')
  • Closely approximated the solar year and helped track seasons and agricultural cycles

Astronomical Observations and Predictions

• Venus Table recorded the movements and cycles of the planet Venus
  • Venus held great significance in Maya mythology and was associated with war and creation
  • The table allowed for accurate prediction of Venus's appearances as morning and evening star
• Astronomical observatories were built to track celestial bodies and phenomena
  • The Caracol at Chichen Itza was a prominent observatory aligned with key astronomical events
  • Observatories enabled precise measurements and recordings of solar and lunar cycles, solstices, and equinoxes
• Eclipse predictions were made by Maya astronomers with remarkable accuracy
  • Used knowledge of lunar and solar cycles to calculate the timing and location of eclipses
  • Eclipses were seen as significant omens and were often tied to political and religious events

Mathematics

Numeral System and Concept of Zero

• Maya numerals used a vigesimal system based on the number 20
  • Dots represented units (1-4), and bars represented five
  • Allowed for efficient representation of large numbers using a vertical place-value system
• The concept of zero was independently developed by the Maya
  • Represented by a shell-like glyph, indicating the absence of a value
  • Enabled more complex mathematical calculations and place-value notation

Mathematical Achievements

• Maya mathematics involved advanced arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • Used for practical purposes such as trade, taxation, and architectural calculations
  • Mathematical concepts were applied in astronomy, calendar systems, and engineering
• Maya mathematicians developed sophisticated mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques
  • Used a base-20 number system, which facilitated complex calculations
  • Developed mathematical algorithms and formulas for various applications

Writing and Inscriptions

Maya Script and Codices

• Maya script was a highly developed logosyllabic writing system
  • Consisted of both logograms (representing whole words) and syllabic signs (representing syllables)
  • Used to record historical events, astronomical observations, and religious beliefs
• Codices were folded bark-paper books containing written records and illustrations
  • Only a few surviving codices remain (Dresden Codex, Madrid Codex, Paris Codex)
  • Contained information on astronomy, divination, rituals, and mythology

Monumental Inscriptions

• Stelae were large stone monuments erected to commemorate important events and rulers
  • Often depicted rulers in elaborate ceremonial dress, accompanied by hieroglyphic inscriptions
  • Provided valuable historical and genealogical information about Maya dynasties and their achievements
• Hieroglyphic stairs were monumental staircases with each step bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions
  • Notable examples include the Hieroglyphic Stairway at Copan and the Hieroglyphic Stairway at Palenque
  • Recorded important historical events, royal lineages, and military conquests