Maya civilization developed in Central America, in areas that are now Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It existed from about 2000 BCE to 1500 CE. Cities such as Tikal and Chichén Itzá were major centers.

The Maya built pyramids, temples, and plazas used for ceremonies and public life. They studied the stars and created detailed calendars to track time. A writing system using symbols, called glyphs, recorded events and ideas.

Farming crops such as maize supported large populations. The civilization is studied through ruins, carvings, and preserved records.