Maya Interactive Timeline
1996
Peace Accords signed
The Guatemalan government acknowledged that the state was founded on discrimination against the Maya and promised to promote ethnic identity and civil rights.
Modern Maya ActiveWorksheet
1960s - 1990's
La Violencia
In this period a Civil War raged in Guatemala, fought between the government and the local indigenous Maya tribes.
1839
Stephens and Catherwood
Frederick Catherwood was an English architect who traveled to Mesoamerica with John Stephens in the mid-1800's. Together they wrote and illustrated a series of books which were responsible for popularising the Maya and other Mesoamerican cultures in the Western world.
16th Century
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The 16th century in Britain saw both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I on the throne.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The 16th century in Britain saw both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I on the throne.
Spanish Conquest
The 16th century saw the Spanish begin their conquest of the Yucatan peninsular.
IMPORTANT TEXT
Popul Vuh
A late Maya text from the 16th century written by Santa Cruz Quiche from the highlands of Guatemala. The Popul Vuh is the story of a people, including myths, legends and history.
Pok-ta-Pok ActiveWorksheet
Pok-ta-Pok ActiveWorksheetIMPORTANT SITE
Chichen Itza
One of the largest Maya sites which covers over 5 square kilometers. It is a large and cosmopolitan capital with art and architecture inspired by both traditional Maya and non-Maya styles.
Maya Cities ActiveWorksheet
Maya Cities ActiveWorksheet900 AD to 1524 AD
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The Medieval Period in Britain. Many cathedrals and churches are built in this time, and the Tudors are on the throne by the 1500's.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The Medieval Period in Britain. Many cathedrals and churches are built in this time, and the Tudors are on the throne by the 1500's.
Postclassic Period
Following the decline of the Maya in the Terminal Classic period, the main centres of urban development moved north to the Yucatan peninsula.
800 AD to 1000 AD
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The beginning of the second millennium AD in Britain saw the beginning of the Norman conquest.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The beginning of the second millennium AD in Britain saw the beginning of the Norman conquest.
The Terminal Classic
Maya cities stop expanding, and the population begins to decline rapidly alongside disappearing hieroglyphic texts. This is thought to be a result of a either warfare, overpopulation or drought.
IMPORTANT SITE
IMPORTANT SITE
Tikal
This Maya city was founded during the Preclassic period but reaches its peak in the Late Classic with a population of over 60,000 people and temples rising over 45 meters.
250 AD to 900 AD
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The Romans leave Britain around 400 AD. The next few hundred years see Vikings and Anglo-Saxons fighting for control of Britain.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The Romans leave Britain around 400 AD. The next few hundred years see Vikings and Anglo-Saxons fighting for control of Britain.
Classic Period
The first stelae emerge with carved stone texts alongside multicoloured pottery.
IMPORTANT SITE
San Bartolo
A Maya site featuring the earliest writing in the Maya area. Famous for its murals depicting themes of creation and kingship
Glyphs ActiveWorksheet
Glyphs ActiveWorksheetIMPORTANT SITE
El Mirador
A Maya city with giant pyramids, such as El Tigre at over 50 meters high, and buildings and structures spread over 6 square miles.
400 BC to 250 AD
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
In 43 AD the Romans invade Britain.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
In 43 AD the Romans invade Britain.
Late Preclassic
The first cities begin to emerge in the Maya area.
1000 BC to 400 BC
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age. Many Britons live in Iron Age hill forts at this time.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The end of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age. Many Britons live in Iron Age hill forts at this time.
Middle Preclassic
The Maya begin to expand across Mesoamerica, with villages growing in size and colonizing new areas for agriculture.
2000 BC to 1000 BC
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The end of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Bronze Age in Britain. Metal tools become more common at this time.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The end of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Bronze Age in Britain. Metal tools become more common at this time.
Early Preclassic
We begin to see settled farming villages in Mesoamerica.
7000 BC to 2000 BC
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The end of the Mesolithic and the beginning of the Neolithic. We begin to see farming in Britain and the construction of Stonehenge begins.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The end of the Mesolithic and the beginning of the Neolithic. We begin to see farming in Britain and the construction of Stonehenge begins.
Archaic Period
As the weather and climate changed, humans had to rely on smaller animals and plants for food, using stone bowls and pestles to process their food.
12000 BC to 7000 BC
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The Mesolithic Period in Britain, where hunter-gatherers roamed the fields and forests of Britain.
MEANWHILE IN BRITAIN...
The Mesolithic Period in Britain, where hunter-gatherers roamed the fields and forests of Britain.
Palaeo-indian Period
During this time the Americas were settled by humans.
