The Maya calendar was based on very precise astronomical observations, such as the cycles of the Moon and the planet Venus. The Mayas had a great knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, which allowed them to develop an extremely accurate calendar without the need for modern technology.
The Mayans observed for years the movements of the Sun, the Moon, Venus, and other celestial bodies with the naked eye, but with astonishing precision. Through patience, they noticed the regular cycles, recorded the eclipses, the twinkling of stars, or the subtle movements of planets. The Mayan priest-astronomers noted this information daily: it allowed them to accurately predict celestial phenomena. However, they had no telescopes or modern instruments—just careful and repeated observations, recorded rigorously over generations. Thanks to this, they developed an ultra-precise calendar capable of accurately predicting equinoxes, solstices, or rare astronomical events, with very few errors.
The Mayans used a numerical system quite different from ours, based on the number 20 (which is called vigesimal), rather than on 10 like our current system. Why 20? Probably because they used their fingers from both hands and feet to count. Quite clever, right? This system allowed them to perform quick and accurate calculations, especially in astronomy. They represented numbers with just three super simple symbols: a dot for one, a bar for five, and a stylized shell for zero. Yes, they had invented their own zero, almost simultaneously with the Indians in Asia, a significant advancement for the time! Thanks to these three little symbols, they easily calculated huge numbers and could accurately predict celestial events spanning centuries. Not bad at all for a people without calculators, huh?
The Maya were truly skilled at building monuments precisely aligned with certain astronomical events. For example, at Chichén Itzá, the pyramid of El Castillo is oriented so accurately that at each equinox, a perfect illusion of a serpent (called Kukulkan) seems to slowly descend the steps of the staircase. Another impressive example: at Uxmal, the building known as the Governor's Palace is precisely aligned with the position of Venus at certain key times of the year. This kind of alignment clearly shows that the precision of the Maya calendar was not merely theoretical, but directly manifested in their architecture. They had a perfect understanding of the movements of the Sun, the Moon, and even certain stars, and they used this knowledge wisely in their constructions. Not bad for a civilization without telescopes or GPS, right?
The Mayans closely associated their religion with their way of measuring time. Believing that each celestial body, deity, or natural event had a specific meaning, they carefully observed the sky to know exactly when to honor a particular divinity. The religious ceremonies were thus directly dependent on these astronomical markers, which urged them to achieve great accuracy in temporal cycles. For example, they saw eclipses or lunar cycles as key moments to be interpreted as divine messages, highlighting the importance of calendar accuracy to predict these phenomena precisely. This religious perspective played a crucial role: it motivated them to continually refine their calculations to remain in harmony with their beliefs.
The Mayans circulated their astronomical knowledge through codices, a type of very detailed manuscript book. Specialized priests and astronomers orally transmitted this knowledge from generation to generation by memorizing observations and calculations. Thanks to this rigorous collective memory, few pieces of information were lost. Inscriptions carved on monuments also served to permanently anchor their discoveries for future generations. This combination of oral and written methods allowed the Mayans to maintain astonishing accuracy in the development of their calendar.
Unlike our modern decimal system based on ten, the Maya used a vigesimal mathematical system based on twenty, which allowed them to perform extremely precise complex calculations.
The Mayan pyramids, such as the one of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá, were built to precisely mark the equinoxes: during these days, the shadow of the sun creates the illusion of a serpent descending the steps.
The Mayan calendar was composed of several distinct cycles, the most well-known of which, the Tzolk’in calendar, consisted of 260 days: it was mainly used for religious and ceremonial purposes.
The Maya had calculated the actual duration of the solar year to be 365.242 days, an approximation incredibly close to the modern measurement, which is 365.2422 days.
No, this widely held belief stems from a misinterpretation. In reality, the Mayan calendar simply indicated the end of a great time cycle (the 13th baktun), marking the transition to a new cycle. It was not a prediction of the end of the world at all.
The Maya mathematical system, based on the number 20, facilitated very detailed and complex astronomical calculations. The use of zero, an important innovation in their mathematics, allowed for precise calculations over long periods, thus ensuring the reliability of their calendar.
Mayan architectural structures, such as pyramids and observatories, were carefully aligned with celestial events such as equinoxes and solstices. These alignments allowed astronomers to confirm and refine their calendar and predictions.
The Mayans had a complex glyphic writing system that they engraved on steles, temple walls, and in handwritten codices. The training of priests and astrologers was rigorous and relied on precise and continuous oral and written transmission, thereby ensuring the longevity and accuracy of their astronomical knowledge.
Thanks to their very precise calendar, the Maya were able to predict lunar and solar eclipses, the movements of the planet Venus, and even certain specific phases of other planets. This accuracy stemmed from their meticulous and regular observation of the night sky over several centuries.
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