Architecture

The Mayans are perhaps most noticed for their architecture, especially the famed pyramids temples. These distinctive buildings, with their layered platforms, are immediately associated with Mayan civilization. These buildings were usually a place of worship, though there has been speculation about their use as tombs. They were also used as observatories, a practice closely related to the Mayan religion. Other observatories were typically round, and were built so that their doorways, windows and other features aligned with celestial events.

    Another noteworthy aspect of Mayan architecture is the design of their cities; they almost always had a main plaza near the heart of the city. This plaza typically contained the aforementioned pyramid temples, royal palaces, ceremonial platforms, and even ball courts for the Mesoamerican ballgame. Observatories were also often found in these plazas.

    Mayan cities also tended to reflect the land around them, as the peoples used their surroundings to their advantage. Cities built on lowlands and flat plains were large and sprawling, while cities built in hilly areas used the geography to bring their temples and palaces to greater heights.