Maya architecture

The Mayan architecture of the Maya civilization spans across several thousands of years, several eras of political change, and architectural innovation before the Spanish colonization of the Americas.[1] Often, the buildings most dramatic and easily recognizable as creations of the Maya peoples are the step pyramids of the Terminal Preclassic Maya period and beyond. Based in general Mesoamerican architectural traditions, the Maya utilized geometric proportions and intricate carving to build everything from simple houses to ornate temples.[2] This article focuses on the more well-known pre-classic and classic examples of Maya architecture. The temples like the ones at Palenque, Tikal, and Uxmal represent a zenith of Maya art and architecture. Through the observation of numerous elements and stylistic distinctions, remnants of Maya architecture have become an important key to understanding their religious beliefs and culture as a whole.[3][4]

  1. ^ "Maya Chronology | MESOAMERICAN Research Center". www.marc.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  2. ^ Powell, Christopher. "The Shapes of Sacred Space: A Proposed System of Geometry Used to Lay Out and Design Maya Art and Architecture and Some Implications Concerning Maya Cosmology" Dissertation. 2010. University of Texas. https://www.mayaexploration.org/pdf/PowellDissertation2010_MayaGeometry.pdf
  3. ^ "Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 2019-12-01.
  4. ^ "FAMSI - Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, Inc". www.famsi.org. Retrieved 2019-12-01.