6 fascinating facts about the Mayan civilization

The Mayans were exceptionally skilled astronomers. They meticulously tracked celestial bodies, predicting solar eclipses and accurately charting the movement of Venus. They even had a sophisticated calendar system that was more accurate than the Julian calendar used by Europeans of the same era.

We can thank the Mayans for chocolate! They were among the first to cultivate cacao trees and used the beans to make a bitter beverage. This was not the sweet treat we know today, but a frothy, spicy drink used in ceremonies and as a status symbol.

The Mayans developed a complex system of writing that combined logograms (symbols representing words) and syllabic signs. Despite their fall, remnants of this written language can still be seen in the carved inscriptions of their ancient cities.

The Mayans played a brutal ball game that often ended in human sacrifice. The game was more than a sport—it was a religious ritual. The losing team's captain could be sacrificed to the gods.

The Mayan civilization showcased architectural prowess through their step pyramids, palaces, and observatories. The Pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza, with its 365 steps (representing the days of the year), is a testament to their astronomical and architectural expertise.

The decline of the Mayan civilization is still a mystery. Theories suggest that overpopulation, environmental degradation, warfare, or a prolonged drought could have been responsible. However, descendants of the Maya still live in Central America today, preserving many aspects of their ancient culture.