Tradition Name

Classic Maya

Tradition Description

During the Classic Maya tradition there were localized but interacting states based on sophisticated lowland agriculture in what is now eastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, western Honduras, and western El Salvador. Most polities had a four-level settlement hierarchy including central capitals with populations varying from 2,500 to 100,000 people. The time period of this tradition is from about 1850 BP through 1100 BP (ca. AD 150 - AD 900). Society was stratified into elites and commoners. The latter paid tribute and supplied corvée labor to construct and maintain the urban infrastructure.

Note

Select the Tradition Summary link above for a longer description of the culture.

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean --Maya Area

Countries

Belize

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

Mexico

OWC Code

NY53