Why was the Maya civilization a unique one?

          The Maya Civilization of Central America was without doubt, one of the most dominant ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. The Maya civilization was the longest lived, and the most widely spread of all the great cultures of Ancient America.

          The Maya lived in Mexico before 2000 BC. But, they became powerful from AD 200 to 900. They remained powerful until they were conquered by the Spanish in around AD 1500. The Maya created wonderful cities. Some Maya cities were huge, holding up to 50,000 people. The houses were built by mud bricks. The great Maya cities were Palenque, Tikal, Copan, and Chichen Itza. At the centre of each city there was a pyramid shaped temple.

           The great Maya civilization survived for hundreds of years. The Maya invented their own system of writing. They were good in mathematics and astronomy. Their solar calendar, with 365 days in a year is a wonder to the modern world.