Through the observation of the sun, moon and stars, priests developed tables that accurately forecast eclipses and the orbit of the planet Venus.  They also developed a calendar of 365 days, based on the orbit of the earth around the sun that was more accurate than the one used in Europe at the time.  The days were divided into 18 months of 20 days, plus 5 days at the end of the year, a period considered very unlucky.  During these five days, the Maya fasted and avoided unnecessary activity, other than religious sacrifices.  

The Maya worshipped time and identified five great cycles of time that measured the evolution of human life on earth.  Jaguars represented the first world cycle that destructed the earth, the second cycle caused by air, the third by fire, and the fourth by a great flood.  The fifth cycle, in which we are currently living in, is destined to end man’s reign in the world by a catastrophic earthquake.  The Maya believed this present cycle began August 13, 3114 B.C. and would end December 22, 2012.  This would complete the end of another solar cycle of almost 5,200 years which, together with the other four great cycles, total 26,000 years, a duration that approximates the known 25,920-year cycle of the precession of the equinoxes.

Religion played a prominent role in the daily life of the Maya as each day had special religious importance. Mayan manuscripts indicate that more than 160 gods and goddesses associated with nature were worshipped; for instance, Chac the rain god and Kinich Ahau the sun god. The Maya considered their gods to be helpful or harmful. To seek their assistance or avoid their wrath, elaborate religious ceremonies were held throughout the year. The Maya also needed to fast, pray and offer animal (deer, turkeys and dogs) – and human sacrifices – to feed the gods. 

Classic Period 250 - 900 A.D.

Mayan civilization was most prominent from 250 - 900 A.D.  During this era, the Maya made their most significant scientific and artistic achievements, and established their first great cities.  At the peak of Mayan civilization, there were more than 40 cities with populations from 5,000 to 50,000.  The northern Yucatan including Cancun was sparsely populated for most of the Classic

The Classic period saw the Maya develop into a hierarchical society based on classes and professions: farmers/laborers represented today’s blue collar worker, craftsmen and merchants were the so-called middle class, and the elite were the scribes and priests.  At the extreme ends of the social-economic hierarchy were slaves and royalty.  A king was the head of government; he represented a community within a clearly defined territory. 

After 900 A.D., Mayan civilization of the central lowlands declined significantly.  The great cities emptied and eventually became overgrown by jungle.  Although it is unclear why societies quickly deteriorated, given the rapidness of the population decline, researchers believe the cause was likely famine due to drought and/or trade disruption because of war.  The Maya were constantly at war with their neighbors for land as well as people who were used for slavery and human sacrifice. 

Post Classic Period 900 - 1500 A.D.

As the cities in the South declined, urban centers sprung up in the Yucatan Peninsula.  During the Post Classic period, three new power centers emerged: Chichen Itza (near Valladolid), Uxmal (near Merida) and Mayapan (west of Chichen Itza).  Although scientific accomplishments are not considered as notable as during the Classic Period, artwork and architecture is impressive.  Most of the ruins in the Riviera Maya are from this time period and are certainly worth a visit, particularly Tulum.

Between 1000 and 1250 A.D., Chichen Itza was the dominant Mayan city and controlled the northern Yucatan due to the influence of the Toltec, a group from central Mexico that had conquered the city.  However, in the 13th century, when the Toltec capital of Tula north of Mexico City was destroyed, Chichen Itza also fell from power.  It was replaced by Mayapan which ruled for about 200 years.  In 1441, the Maya who had previously ruled Uxmal destroyed the city of Mayapan and founded a new city at Mani.  Wars were fought between rival Mayan groups over territory until the Spanish eventually conquered the region.