You cannot see the Mayan Civilization, because you can only visit its remains. The Mayan Civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization, developed by the Maya people, and notable for its hieroglyphic script—the most sophisticated and highly developed writing system in pre-Columbian Americas—as well as its art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical system. The Maya civilization emerged in the Pre-Classic Period (2000 BCE – 250 CE) and flourished in the Classic Period (250–900 CE). During this time, the Maya built impressive cities, including Tikal, Copán, and Palenque, and developed a complex social structure and religious system. The Maya civilization declined in the Post-Classic Period (900–1500 CE), and eventually came to an end with the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.