Maya Civilization
Discover the amazing Maya people who built jungle pyramids and created accurate calendars!
Tall Maya pyramid rising above the green jungle canopy with colorful tropical birds flying around
ILLUSTRATION BY Duskbloom Littles
Deep in the jungles of Central America, the Maya civilization built incredible pyramid cities that touched the forest canopy! For over 2,000 years, these brilliant people created some of the most accurate calendars ever made and were the first to discover the mathematical concept of zero.
The Maya were amazing builders who constructed tall pyramid temples without metal tools or wheels. Their largest pyramid at Chichen Itza is 98 feet tall and perfectly aligned with the stars! Maya cities like Tikal had hundreds of buildings connected by stone roads through the jungle.
Maya astronomers studying the stars from the top of their pyramid observatory at night
These clever people were master astronomers who could predict eclipses and track planet movements with incredible accuracy. They also gave the world chocolate - Maya people were the first to drink cocoa as a special treat for kings and priests!
Maya people in a bustling jungle marketplace trading cocoa beans, jade, and colorful textiles
The Maya civilization shows us how people can create amazing things by carefully studying the natural world and working together as a community!
