Alongside the development of sciences like astronomy and mathematics, and arts such as architecture, the Maya conceived the origin of the world, the shape of the universe and the deities living in it.

Their interpretation of the cosmos included a plethora of gods: some benevolent, others malignant; some unattainable, others close at hand. Defining past, present and future, it concerned itself with death, the afterlife and reincarnation.

In Maya we discover a cosmology in which everything is attributed to divine intervention.

The Mayans were quite accomplished astronomers. Their primary interest, in contrast to "western" astronomers, were Zenial Passages when the Sun crossed over the Maya latitudes. On an annual basis the sun travels to its summer solstice point, or the latitude of 23-1/3 degrees north.

Most of the Maya cities were located south of this latitude, meaning that they could observe the sun directly overhead during the time that the sun was passing over their latitude. This happened twice a year, evenly spaced around the day of solstice.

MAYAN ARCHITECTURE THE TRADITIONAL HOUSE

Example of a Maya house in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Pre-Hispanic Maya houses were made of perishable organic materials, this being the main reason why no intact examples still exist. Most researchers believe that they were much like the rural houses made today. Since 16th-century Spanish conquerors were mainly interested in the meaning and social power of the more symbolic religious and civic buildings, they paid little attention to the habitats of the common people.

Originally, Maya houses were built on low platforms that delineated the space of nuclear family plots, including family cemeteries. Usually these solaris (lots) were delineated by albarradas (low walls made of narrowly stacked stone). Each family's lot included their hut, a well, a latrine, a chicken coup, a garden and a rustic-roofed batea (laundry room).

URBANISM

The Maya archaeological zones are only a part of what were once large religious, commercial and political centers.

These towns were built along a predetermined axis, with a group of wide-stepped plazas that were linked to platforms on which temples, palaces and pyramids were built. The urban design did not always follow a plan, but often corresponded to the earth's topography, often in accordance with mathematical measurements and magical symbolism.

In the Yucatan peninsula (Mexico) these cities were built next to great natural water wells called cenotes, and were linked together by long sacbés (white roads) Religious ceremonies were held in the urban centers; ball games were played; and on specific days, a large market was installed.

The Maya cities were also bureaucratic centers where political, civil and military matters were dealt with.