Which of the following was developed by the Maya civilization

Subject : History

Question: Which of the following was developed by the Maya civilization?

A. the compass

B. the alphabet

C. land maps

D. an accurate calendar

Expert Verified Solution:

The correct answer is:

D. an accurate calendar

The Maya civilization, which thrived in Mesoamerica from approximately 250 to 900 CE, is renowned for its advanced achievements in various fields, including astronomy, mathematics, and calendrical systems. One of their most significant contributions is their development of an accurate and sophisticated calendar system.

The Maya calendar is a complex system that consists of several interlocking cycles. Two of the main components of the Maya calendar are the Tzolk’in and the Haab’:

Tzolk’in: This is a 260-day ritual calendar used for ceremonial purposes. It consists of 13 cycles of 20 named days, and each day is associated with specific rituals and events.

Haab’: This is a 365-day solar calendar used for agricultural and civil purposes. It is divided into 18 months of 20 days each, plus an additional short month of 5 days at the end of the year called Wayeb’. The Haab’ calendar aligns closely with the solar year.

In addition to these two calendars, the Maya used the Long Count calendar to track longer periods, often for historical and chronological purposes. The Long Count calendar is notable for its ability to record dates over thousands of years, which reflects the Maya’s advanced understanding of astronomy and their need for precise historical record-keeping.

The Maya’s calendar system was not only accurate but also integrated with their complex religious and societal practices. They were able to predict astronomical events, such as eclipses and planetary movements, with remarkable precision. This calendar system underscores the Maya’s sophisticated mathematical and observational skills and their deep understanding of celestial cycles.

Overall, the development of the Maya calendar represents one of the most significant technological and scientific achievements of the Maya civilization, demonstrating their advanced knowledge and expertise in astronomy and timekeeping.