The Mayans were once considered one of the greatest civilizations in North America, and possibly the world. They built many pyramids and temples to honor their gods and to preserve their religion. Their lives revolved around their king and the sacrifice of his blood. The cultural achievements of the Mayans along with the educational achievements came centuries before other cultures. These achievements still exist today along with the Mayan culture, which has spanned over two thousand years. The Mayan people of today still hold these traditions sacred and want to preserve them. Only about two million Mayan Indians exist today, but their culture reflects that of their ancestors, along with the Spanish, who invaded the Maya around the sixteenth century. The Maya left behind much advancement that they had made in mathematics, astronomy, and technology. The advancement of the Mayan civilization throughout their many years of existence was the highest of any civilization ever recorded.
             The Mayan civilization had a rich and interesting history. The history of the Mayans can be classified into five historical periods. The first was the development of the early people, this period lasted from about 1500 BC to 150 AD, rapid development of its early people and the erection of its first temples. Another important period was the classical period, which lasted from about 250 to 900 AD and included the rise of royal rule. The postclassical period occurred from 900 to 1500 AD and began the fall of the Mayan civilization from its Golden Age. The Mayan history is a remarkable documentation of a highly advanced civilization.
             The physical boundaries of the ancient Mayan civilization spanned the countries of modern-day Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras and the five Mexican states of Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Campeche and Chiapas. This area is also known by the name "Mesoamerica". The total area once occupied by the Maya was arou...