The Maya civilization was an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that developed in present-day southeastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya civilization is renowned for its advanced achievements in various fields, including architecture, art, mathematics, astronomy, and hieroglyphic writing. The peak of Maya civilization occurred during the Classic period (c. 250 CE to 900 CE), but Maya people have a continuous history that extends into the present day.

Key aspects of the Maya civilization include:

1. Cities and Architecture: The Maya built impressive cities with monumental architecture, including temples, palaces, and pyramids. Notable archaeological sites include Tikal (Guatemala), Palenque (Mexico), Caracol (Belize), and Copán (Honduras).
2. Hieroglyphic Writing: The Maya developed a sophisticated system of writing using hieroglyphs. They recorded historical events, rituals, and astronomical information in inscriptions on stelae, pottery, and codices.
3. Mathematics and Astronomy: The Maya had a highly advanced understanding of mathematics, including the concept of zero and a vigesimal (base-20) counting system. They also excelled in astronomy, developing an accurate calendar system that included the Long Count for tracking longer periods.
4. Calendar Systems: The Maya used several interconnected calendar systems, including the Tzolk’in (260-day ceremonial calendar) and the Haab’ (365-day solar calendar). The Long Count calendar was employed for measuring longer time spans.
5. Agriculture: Maya agriculture was based on the cultivation of maize (corn), beans, and squash. They utilized advanced farming techniques, such as raised fields and terracing.
6. Trade: The Maya engaged in extensive trade networks, exchanging goods such as jade, obsidian, cacao, and feathers. Coastal trade routes connected the interior cities to coastal trading partners.
7. Social and Political Structure: Maya society was hierarchical, with kings and elites holding significant power. The ruling class governed from elaborate palace complexes, and there was a well-defined social structure with priests, nobles, and commoners.
8. Religion: The Maya had a complex religious belief system, with a pantheon of gods and a strong emphasis on rituals and ceremonies. Rituals often involved bloodletting, and ball games had religious significance.
9. Collapse: Around the 9th century CE, many of the major Maya cities experienced a decline and collapse. The reasons for this decline are complex and likely include factors such as environmental degradation, warfare, social unrest, and changes in trade routes.

Today, the descendants of the ancient Maya continue to inhabit the same regions, maintaining their rich cultural heritage. The Maya civilization remains a subject of fascination and study for archaeologists, historians, and researchers seeking to understand the complexities of this remarkable Mesoamerican society.