2. Calendar: The Mayas developed several complex calendars, including the Haab' and the Tzolk'in. The Haab' was a solar calendar with 365 days, while the Tzolk'in was a sacred calendar with a 260-day cycle. These calendars were used to track time, plan agricultural activities, and predict celestial events.
3. Architecture: The Mayas constructed impressive architectural structures, including temples, palaces, pyramids, and observatories. These structures were often decorated with intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings depicting gods, rulers, and mythological scenes.
4. Astronomy: The Mayas were skilled astronomers who made detailed observations of the movements of the sun, moon, and planets. They developed sophisticated mathematical and astronomical knowledge, which allowed them to predict celestial events and create accurate calendars.
5. Mathematics: The Mayas developed a vigesimal system of mathematics, based on the number 20. This system used a complex notation involving dots and bars, which allowed the Mayas to perform mathematical calculations, including multiplication, division, and geometric calculations.
6. Art and craftsmanship: The Mayas produced a wide range of art forms, including sculptures, pottery, textiles, and jewelry. Mayan artists displayed great skill in carving intricate details and incorporating symbolic elements into their creations.
7. Agriculture: The Mayas practiced intensive agriculture and developed techniques to cultivate maize, beans, squash, and other crops. They constructed complex irrigation systems and utilized raised fields to maximize agricultural production.
8. Trade: The Mayas engaged in extensive trade networks with other Mesoamerican civilizations. They traded goods such as obsidian, cacao, jade, feathers, and textiles, and their trade routes extended as far as central Mexico and the Guatemalan Highlands.
These are just a few of the major achievements and developments of the Mayas during the classical era. The Mayas were a highly sophisticated and advanced civilization, and their contributions to various fields of knowledge and art continue to be admired and studied to this day.