Mayan culture began thousands of years ago and new discoveries are still being made
Some perspective!
The Mayan presence in Guatemala and Central America began in 300BC
The Classic Mayan Ruins are from 250AD to 900AD
The Post Classic era was from 900 to the 1500's AD
Most of the Ruins that have been, and are being discovered, are from the Post Classic Era
The Mayans believed that the Spanish arrival in Mesoamerica in the early 1500's was the fulfillment of Ancient Prophecy of the destruction of their civilization and the worshiping of Jade Idols and Artifacts.
The Spanish promptly fulfilled this dire prophecy and destroyed all the Mayan books, records, and religious artifacts as they attempted to convert the Tribes to Christianity.
Only four books from this period have ever been discovered!
Their Calendars, considered their greatest achievement (so far - see 2012 End of Time -who knows?), were only re-discovered in the 1980's!
Historically Mayans were very advanced as farmers, engineers, architects, and mathematicians with major cities and roadways that rival any ancient culture.
The most amazing discoveries are being made all the time at El Mirador in northern Guatemala near Flores.
Ancient Mayans were very spiritual people. They lived in a four dimensional world balancing the, Physical, Emotional, Social, and Environmental aspects of their lives.
Authentic modern Mayan Healers and Shamans incorporate the balance of these dimensions in their practices today.
Today there are over two million Mayan descendants living in Central America, representing 22 different ethnic groups and languages. Many of them still live much as the ancients did, farming, weaving, wood carving, and crafting Jade art and Jewerly pieces. Check out our photos on the Mayan Crafts Today page.