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Some Historical Perspective
The earliest trace of homo sapiens found in Mexico or Central America date back about 20,000 years. These early hunter/gatherers eventually cultivated an kind of wild corn and begin the earliest Mesoamerican civilizations between 5,000 and 1,000 B.C. From these humble beginnings the mother culture of Mesoamerica, the Olmecs, developed along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico from about 500 B. C. to 100 B.C. In the central valley of what would eventually be known as Mexico the city of Teotihuacan arose around 100 B.C. and was mysteriously abandoned around 750A.D. With Teotihuacan abandoned, new groups from the north descended on the Central Plateau and Valley. As time passed these tribes converged and became known as the Toltecs. These people were the first to distill many of earlier manifestations of spiritual ideals of wisdom and learning into a identifiable "god", the bearded, fair-skinned Quetzalcoatl. Shortly thereafter this name became linked with one of the Toltec rulers, in effect transforming the myth into a reality. The reign of this Toltec priest, Ce Acatl Topilzin, was remembered as one of peace and plenty. After his death legend told that he would return in the future. Much to the chagrin of the Aztecs, when Hernan Cortes landed in Mexico in 1519 they thought that Cortes was the returning Quetzalcoatl. This created terror in the hearts of Moctezuma and helped Cortes immensely in the early stages of his conquest. After the Toltecs faded from the Mesoamerica stage the Totonac, the Zapotec and the Mixtec peoples all had their periods of glory and prosperity. Though not as famous as the Maya their ancient cities are evidence of the grandeur of their times of reign. The sites of El Tajin, Monte Alban I and II are fine examples of their grand architectural and construction skills. Then there were the Maya, the largest homogenous group of indigenous peoples north of Peru. Their cultural development began around 1500 B.C. and spread over an area of 250,000 square miles. Today, many of their ancient cities are in remarkable well preserved repair. These cities are designed along similar lines as other Mesoamerican cities with a city center where the main temples , ceremonial structures and plazas are awe-inspiring. Close to this area were the living quarters of the priests, lords and officials responsible for ritual, government and administration. Normally there is one of the famous ball courts nearby where the mysterious game of pok-a-tok was played. Further our were the homes of the wealthy and important merchants. On the perimeter were the dwelling of ordinary citizens and farmers. The Maya had a structured and disciplined society governed by priest-rulers, but the were never united at a single capital or under a single ruler. The autonomous city-states shared a common hieroglyphic script, the concept of zero and a common religion and cosmology. The Maya's knowledge of astronomy and mathematics was immense. Some of their calculations have proved not only to be well in advance of heir time, but more accurate than those that we use today. They include a more exact calendar than the one we use today and the calculation of lunar cycles and the accurate prediction of eclipses. Long-thought to have been peaceful worshippers of the gods, it is now known that the elaborate Mayan rituals included blood-letting and that their celebrations involved dance and sacrificial offering to win the favor of their gods. Also, each city-state was almost constantly in a state of war with one or another of their neighbors. The ancient Maya were mysterious and enigmatic. They left behind some of finest man-made wonders in the world. Understandably the travelers who come to the region today want to see the huge pyramids and temples, the great stelae covered in hieroglyphic inscriptions, the beautiful artifacts and works of art left behind and the broad ball courts where mysterious athletic contests were held. But, it should be remembered that Mayan lore is more than the ruins and forgotten culture of a long-dead empire. As you travel here the Maya are all around you. Modern descendents of the ancient Maya drive your bus, catch the fish you eat, work in the bank where you change your money and guide you as you trudge up the steep steps of a monumental temple. The Mayan Empire may be dead, but the Maya - some two millions of them - are very much alive in their ancient ancestral land. More information, photos and more can be found at our sister website, www.themayantraveler.com.
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