We present to you a very important collection, from a historical and cultural point of view. These are books about the Maya in PDF format, where you will find everything related to one of the most outstanding pre-Columbian civilizations of the American continent and whose legacy we can enjoy today in different ways.
The Maya were part of the group of organized and strong peoples that made life in America, but whose advance was stopped by the Spanish colonization. In our books about the Maya you will discover their social and political organization, the religion they practiced, their way of life and their survival activities.
It was a civilization located in Central America, mainly in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico; although it extended to the current countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. They lived there from the 20th century B.C. until the 15th century A.D., when Columbus set foot on American soil and began the colonization process that included economic, political, social and religious domination.
Of the impressive legacy they left behind, the pyramids, monuments, temples and some ruined cities such as Chichen Itza and Palenque, among others, stand out. In addition, their most outstanding characteristics are the following:
- Their form of economy was agriculture, carried out by peasants in the countryside.
- They were polytheistic and had the elements of nature as their gods.
- They built great monuments, relevant for their own and current civilization.
- They displayed knowledge in astrology, mathematics and written language.
- Although they were divided into states with autonomous governments, they shared the same religion and traditions.
- Their social organization was hierarchical, consisting of priests, rulers, nobility, peasants and slaves.
Discover much more by checking out our collection of over 15 books about the Maya in PDF format, available below for free download on any of your electronic devices.
Here we present our complete selection of Books about the Mayas:
#1 Maya Creator Gods
Extension: PDF | 60 pages
Maya Creator Gods by Karen Bassie explores the creation myths and deities within Mayan culture, focusing on the Popol Vuh. This article offers valuable insights into the complex world view and the standardized set of creator gods of the Classic Maya.
#2 The Maya
Extension: PDF | 51 pages
The Maya por University of South Florida offers a comprehensive overview of Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. It explores their social structures, religion, warfare, and daily life, providing valuable insights into these ancient cultures.
#3 Sedentism, Specialization, and Economic Activity Among the Lowland Classic Period Maya
Extension: PDF | 18 pages
Sedentism, Specialization, and Economic Activity Among the Lowland Classic Period Maya por Rachel A Horowitz analyzes lithic production's impact on the Maya economy, revealing how specialization shaped tool production and exchange networks. This paper provides insights into the complexities of Maya society and economic systems.
#4 The Collapse of the Classic Maya Kingdoms of the Southwestern Peten: Implications for the End of Classic Maya Civilization
Extension: PDF | 27 pages
The Collapse of the Classic Maya Kingdoms of the Southwestern Peten: Implications for the End of Classic Maya Civilization by Arthur A. Demarest explores the complex factors behind the Classic Maya collapse, focusing on the southwestern Petén region. It offers insights into the political, economic, and environmental dynamics that led to the declin...
#5 Round structures in Pre-Columbian Maya Architecture
Extension: PDF | 38 pages
Round structures in Pre-Columbian Maya Architecture por Jan Szymanski, offers an insightful analysis of round buildings in Maya civilization. This study explores their formal and functional evolution, connecting architectural changes to social and religious shifts within Maya society.
#6 The Architectural Context of Caches Burials and Other Ritual Activities for the Classic Period Maya
Extension: PDF | 34 pages
The Architectural Context of Caches Burials and Other Ritual Activities for the Classic Period Maya por Diane Z Chase,Arlen F Chase analyzes the architectural context of caches, burials, and ritual activities at Caracol, Belize. It explores how Maya architecture reflected their cosmos and the relationship between the living and the dead, providing ...
#7 Cacao in Ancient Maya Religion
Extension: PDF | 30 pages
Cacao in Ancient Maya Religion by Simon Martin delves into the significant role of cacao within ancient Maya society, particularly its religious and symbolic meaning. This PDF offers valuable insights into the relationship between cacao, maize, and the Maize God, making it a must-read for those fascinated by Maya culture.
#8 Palenque’s Settlement Pattern and Social Organization Models
Extension: PDF | 30 pages
Palenque's Settlement Pattern and Social Organization Models explores the urban layout and social structures of the Classic Maya city of Palenque. It examines settlement density and proposes a council-based "Cargo System" as a model for Palenque's governance, offering insights into Maya society.
#9 Spanish Missionization and Maya Social Structure: Skeletal Evidence for Labor Distribution at Tipu, Belize
Extension: PDF | 253 pages
Spanish Missionization and Maya Social Structure: Skeletal Evidence for Labor Distribution at Tipu, Belize por Lara Noldner examines skeletal remains from Tipu, Belize, to understand the impact of Spanish colonization on Maya social structure. Discover how labor distribution and social status were influenced, providing key insights into colonial Ma...
#10 Maya Civilization (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 16 pages
Maya Civilization (Presentation) por Kelsey Morrow & Morgan Nagel introduces the rich history and societal structure of the Maya civilization. Explore their political, economic, and technological achievements through this concise overview.
#11 Mayan Religion and Gods (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 13 pages
Mayan Religion and Gods (Presentation) por Erin K M is a brief overview of the Mayan beliefs, gods, and their roles. It offers a glimpse into the complex spiritual world of the Maya civilization.
#12 Maya Gods and Religion (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 17 pages
Maya Gods and Religion (Presentation) por St Ambrose Catholic Primary provides an overview of Mayan religious beliefs, rituals, and key deities. Explore the fascinating spiritual world of the Maya civilization.
#13 Maya Art (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 12 pages
Maya Art (Presentation) by Godinton Primary School is a visual introduction to the art forms of the Maya civilization. Explore the fascinating world of Mayan art, from sculptures and ceramics to frescoes and jade jewelry.
#14 Mayan Culture (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 15 pages
Mayan Culture (Presentation) por Columbia Public Schools is a brief overview of the Mayan civilization, covering their origins, society, religion, and architecture. Explore the fascinating history and mysterious decline of this ancient culture.
#15 Maya architecture (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 38 pages
Maya architecture (Presentation) by Pradeep Kumar Yadav presents an overview of Mayan architectural styles. This PDF highlights notable constructions like pyramids, temples, and ball courts.
#16 Who Were the Maya (Article)
Extension: PDF | 6 pages
Who Were the Maya (Article) por Robert Sharer. This insightful article explores the rise and fall of the Maya civilization, highlighting their significant contributions and societal structures. Discover the historical context and enduring legacy of this fascinating culture.
#17 The Maya (Article)
Extension: PDF | 4 pages
The Maya (Article) por Embassy of Mexico in Venezuela describes the Maya civilization, from their knowledge systems to their architecture and religion. It offers a concise overview for those eager to learn about this fascinating Mesoamerican culture.
#18 The Mayan Calendar Round Keeping Time (Article)
Extension: PDF | 8 pages
The Mayan Calendar Round Keeping Time (Article) por Exploratorium The Museum of Science. It explains the complex Mayan calendar system with two cycles, haab and tzolkin, and how they interrelate. The PDF offers a hands-on activity to understand the calendar's workings.
#19 The Maya and Their Mathematical Exploits (Article)
Extension: PDF | 10 pages
The Maya and Their Mathematical Exploits (Article) por Nicasio D Serafin dives into the mathematical prowess of the Maya civilization, highlighting their complex number system and astronomical calculations. It reveals the intricate connection between their mathematics, science, and societal practices.
Here ends our selection of free Books about the Maya in PDF format. We hope you liked it and already have your next book!
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