Art History Briefing: Preservation of the Past, the Mayan History and Culture
The Mayan are a truly ancient people. Although it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when a culture began and ended without absolute written proof, most historians believe that Mayan settlements can be traced to the period around 1800 BCE, reaching its peak, called the “classical period” sometime around 250-900 CE. An extensive network of cities, connected by roads, many still visible today, lay testament to the complexity of the culture and its social and political structure. Along with some of the skills modern man celebrates like their mathematical prowess and calendars, the culture and artistry is being preserved by recognizing its distinctive beauty.