The Ancient Maya

From the Pre-Classic to the Post-Classic Period in Mesoamerica

Ancient jade mask and necklace displayed against a reddish-brown background.

Discover the ancient Maya’s long history in Mesoamerica and their remarkable achievements in art, astronomy, and architecture

The ancient Maya are known for their incredible architecture, writing system, and calendar systems

Classic Period

Epi-Classic and Postclassic Period

The Classic Maya

c. 250–600 CE

This is the period of city-states like Palenque, Tikal, Yaxchilán, and Bonampak

The Basics

Introductions to the ancient Maya world

Illustration featuring ancient art elements like a Greek vase, a sculpture bust, a column, and a tribal mask with the text 'COMING SOON' in the center.

The Maya West

Palenque, Yaxchilán, and Bonampak

Ancient stone pyramid surrounded by lush green trees, located in a tropical forest setting under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Jade green mask of Pakal
Ancient Mayan stone relief with intricate carvings of mythological figures and patterns.
Ancient Mayan mural depicting a group of people, possibly warriors or leaders, adorned in traditional attire. The artwork shows vibrant colors, including reds, blues, and browns, on a textured wall surface.
Ancient stone ruins with a grid-like pattern surrounded by dense trees under a blue sky.
lady xoc lintel

Important Names and Places

K’inich Janaab’ Pakal

Palenque

Yaxchilán

Bonampak

The Maize God

K’awiil

Lady K’abal Xook (Xoc)

Important terms and concepts

Ancient Maya

City-state

Jade

Stela

Vision Serpent

Roof comb

Maya Blue

Mural

Lintel

Kings and Queens of the Maya West

Palenque, Yaxchilán, and Bonampak

Illustrated "Coming Soon" graphic featuring a vase, architectural column, and various cultural masks and faces with green and yellow color scheme.
Illustrated faces and objects with text "COMING SOON" on a blue and green background, and "ARTsQ" logo.
Ancient Mayan stone relief carving featuring a complex, detailed depiction of a mythological scene with figures and serpentine designs.
Stylized illustrations of classical and tribal masks, Greek bust, and architectural column with "Coming Soon" text and ArtsQ logo.

The Peten

Tikal, Calakmul, and more

Illustration featuring ancient art elements like a Greek vase, a sculpture bust, a column, and a tribal mask with the text 'COMING SOON' in the center.

Kings and Queens around the Peten

Tikal and Calakmul

Illustration featuring ancient art elements like a Greek vase, a sculpture bust, a column, and a tribal mask with the text 'COMING SOON' in the center.
Illustration with "COMING SOON" text and art elements, including a Corinthian column, ancient sculpture head, and Greek warrior, set against a blue background.

The Southeast

Copán, Quirigua, and Caracol

Illustration featuring ancient art elements like a Greek vase, a sculpture bust, a column, and a tribal mask with the text 'COMING SOON' in the center.

Puuc

Uxmal, Labna, Kabah, and more

Illustration featuring ancient art elements like a Greek vase, a sculpture bust, a column, and a tribal mask with the text 'COMING SOON' in the center.
Illustration featuring ancient art elements like a Greek vase, a sculpture bust, a column, and a tribal mask with the text 'COMING SOON' in the center.

The Epi-Classic and Post-Classic Maya

The Maya at Chichén Itzá and elsewhere in the Post-Classic offer exciting opportunities to talk about contact, cultural complexity, and trade

The Northern Yucatán

The most famous site here in Chichén Itzá

Stone carvings of skulls on a wall, likely from an ancient Mesoamerican site.

Important terms and concepts

Skull rack (tzompantli)

Ballgame

Chichén Itzá

Yucatán Peninsula

Related Resources

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  • Ancient Andes

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Water bottle with ancient artifact stickers on dark green background, featuring horse figure, mask, and pottery design. "ARTSQ" text beside it.

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