Maya Civilizations - The Maya World
Where Man, Nature and Time are One
by Producciones Z-E

Origins & History

The Maya civilization origins seem to be found deep in mystery, also in mystery, their magnificent and singular culture fell, leaving only its traces among the lavish greenery of the jungle.

The Mesoamerican region was considered hostile and hard to reach. In spite of this, the Maya culture flourished in that region, reaching extraordinary levels of achievement in many fields of endeavor. All this, over a span of approximately 3500 years. Then the Mayas mysteriously declined, leaving the rainforest of southern México, Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize and western Honduras covered with monuments of their former splendor.

Source: Route of the Mayas
(Knopf Guides: New York, 1995) pg.129

Within the Maya society existed a division into classes and professions such as craftsmen and merchants. Their goverment was centralized and ruled by territory with well-defined boundaries. The political authority was headed by the king who represented his community, had an army and an administration at his disposal.

Source: National Geographic Magazine
(Dec. 1975) pg.76