Mayan Temples and Pyramids
An Informational Look at the Mayan Temples and Pyramids.
Mayan Temples and Pyramids
The Mayans(see link for more information on the mayans) were a very advanced civilization of their time. They had several “breakthroughs”. They also created several unique and fascinating structures. The Pyramids and temples are most commonly known, and very interesting. There were two types of Mayan pyramids. One type was sacred and not meant to be touched, the other was also sacred but used for rituals, and meant to be climbed.
The Mayan Temples were Magnificent. They stood upper 230 feet. This height made them visible from far away, and able to be seen from above the tree line. Each had several staircases that were very, very steep. The pyramids looked kind of terraced, with not straight sides but stepped sides. These temples were built by hand, without the assist of animals, or the wheel (which was originally developed by the Mayans).
Few Mayan Temples are exactly the same. They all differ in structure, size, purpose, and the Period of Time (based on their calendar) of which it was to be built. Most Pyramids had a Temple on the top. These temples were dedicated to a certain deities, king, or a god. Mayan temples had two- four stair cases. One on each side, or one and the front and back. At the top of each pyramid was the temple. The Temple was sometimes an open room, or and enclosed are consisting of several rooms and passages. These Temples were used for many reasons. Ceremonies, Religious activities, and the Burial of certain higher people, like rulers and priests. The inside of each temple had Paintings and carvings covering the walls that depicted the gods, king, and of historic events.
Astronomy:
Some Pyramids were no religious but for more of a scientific aspect. Instead of a Temple, they had observatories. The Mayans may be the only Civilization that mapped out efficiently, and located and depicted objects in space WITHOUT a telescope. They are known as Pre-telescopic people. There Observatories aided them. These structures were open at the top and were able to see a clear view of the stars. The Mayans were able to map out and depict phases of celestial objects like the moon and Venus. The also successful predicted different occurrences. Some observatories had door ways and arches that aligned with celestial events. Some Pyramids were built in entire allighment with the Sun and Moon.
Sports:
Other Mayan temples were located at the end of the Mayan Ball court. The courts for their ritual ballgame were constructed throughout the Maya empire and often on a grand scale. The playing field of the ball courts were defined by two long, usually sloping, walls. Frequently, the ends were enclosed so as to create an I – shaped court when viewed from above. A Temple was placed at each end. The Court and temple were built in a magnificent manner. A whisper from one end could be clearly heard at the temple on the other end. Also sounds were magnified across the court. To this day, no one has yet discovered why this happens.
The Mayans also had several calendars(see link for more info on mayan Long Count Calendar). Some of there pyramids were built within accordance to these calendars. Like some pyramids had exactly 365 steps, exactly one Mayan solar year. Also at Exactly the spring and fall equinox the staggered edges cast a shadow in a zigzagged pattern down the steps that form a PERFECT serpent slithering down from the top of pyramid to its head at the base. This all shows the extreme understanding of architecture and astronomy the Mayans had.
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