- The Mayan classical period was believed to be between the years of 250-900 C.E. During this period in time the Mayan civilization saw the increase in urban structures and large scale construction, important inscriptions, and the height of the artistic and thought period.
- The decline and collapse of their civilization happend soon after the peak (8th and 9th centuries). For reasons that are unknown the lowland urban areas began to disperse.
How did this civilization develop and grow in strength?
- Things that springboarded the upbringing of their classical period included the building of their first pyramid, numerous advances in literature and a long distance trade network.
- The trade network reached out to other civilizations like Teotihuacan and the Zapotec. Common trade items included cacao, salt, sea shells, jade and obsidian.
How was this civilization conquered by the Spanish?
- Unlike the Aztec and Inca civilizations, the Mayans were much more difficult to conquer for numerous reasons. The most important was that there was not one political center, that after being overthrown, the rest of the Maya would fall into their hands. Instead the conquistadores had to over take one area at a time which proved to be harder due to the stiff resistance that was brought forth by the Mayans.
- It took the Spanish 170 years to conquer over the entire land, much longer than the other civilizations.
- The main driving point behind the conquest was the promise of riches in substantial amounts of gold and silver.
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