- The Maya developed a complex system of hieroglyphic writing, consisting of over 800 glyphs.
- These were often carved into stone monuments, pottery, and codices (books made from folded bark paper)
Monumental Inscriptions:
- The Maya erected stelae (tall stone slabs), altars, and other monuments inscribed with historical, genealogical, and calendrical information.
- These monuments provide accounts of rulers' lineages, conquests, and important events.
Codex Manuscripts:
- The Maya created books known as codices.
- Only four Maya codices have survived to this day—the Dresden, Madrid, Paris, and Grolier codices—offering valuable insights into Maya religion, astronomy, calendrical systems, and history.
Oral Traditions:
- The Maya's advanced oral tradition contributed to preserving historical knowledge.
- Oral histories were passed down from generation to generation through songs, stories, and ceremonies.
Archaeological Evidence:
- Archaeological excavations and studies of artifacts, architecture, and material remains have provided significant information about Maya history, culture, and lifestyle.
Colonial Records and Reports:
- After the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, some colonial sources, such as the Popol Vuh—the Maya creation myth—helped preserve fragments of Maya history.