The Mayan Calendar
By Madelynn
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View of a part of an ancient Aztec calendar.
History of the Calendar
History of the Calendar
The Mayan Calendar was developed around 3114 BCE. It was created very early in Mayan history, so we don't actually know its original creator. The Calendar Round, the Haab, and the Tzolk’in are the most well-known calendars. There is also the Long Count Calendar, which was used to date events accurately. The longest cycle of the Long Count Calendar was the 13 Baktun Cycle, which lasted about 5,125 years. (The Calendar System | Living Maya Time, n.d.). The Haab is a 19-month calendar that lasts a total of 365 days, which is called the solar year. 18 months each lasted 20 days, and one month lasted only five days. There are many different calendar cycles, each with its own unique uses.
An image of the complete Haab Cycle.
Impact on Ancient Life
Impact on Ancient Life
The Mayan Calendar significantly impacted ancient societies through astrology and agriculture. This need for trade over large regions was the kickstarter for the formulation of this calendar. The use of the 260-day count established what are now considered days and weeks for smoother communication across different areas. This early use of astronomy also involved detailed observation of the moon. Farmers and civilians used dates to know when important seasonal events would occur, like the corn harvest or rainy and dry seasons. This put Mayan societies ahead agriculturally, as they could accurately predict when certain crops would grow best and when it was time to harvest.
A graphic used on CNN depicts the Earth and the Mayan Calendar coming together.
Impact on the modern world
Impact on the modern world
Mayan Calendar has impacted the modern world in many ways, both positively and negatively. Most people know about how many media outlets fueled widespread panic across the globe, suggesting the Mayan Calendar had predicted the end of the world, but no real evidence backed up any of these claims. In reality, December 12th, 2012, was the end of the 13 periods, called Baktun, in the Long Count Calendar. There were no indications that this event would lead to catastrophic or disastrous events in any way. Although most people associate it with the doomsday prophecies of 2012, the calendar offers much more. For example, discovering how the lunar calendar helped us decipher moon phases and how the ancient Mayans deciphered astrology. Furthermore, understanding the complicated hieroglyphics and language used in the calendar has assisted researchers in learning more about Mayan life and culture.
Did you Know?
Did you Know?
The 2012 doomsday was highly anticipated by many people around the world. But what did the Mayans think of this? To learn more about Mayan opinions on 2012, click here: Maya Opinions on 2012
Did you know?
Did you know?
The oldest evidence of the Mayan Calendar dates back to over 300 BCE. To learn more about Mayan Calendar evidence and artifacts, click here: Oldest Evidence of Maya Calendar Discovered in Guatemala
A close view of ancient Mayan hieroglyphic writing used in the Mayan Calendar.
The Tzolk'in Scared Calendar.
December 12th, 2012, the end of the Long Count Calendar.
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