Classic Mayan Architecture The Mayan culture existed a thousand years ago, in what is now part of Central America. Its ruins were almost completely abandoned by 600 AD and were not rediscovered until the early 1500s by Spanish colonists. Mayan architecture amazed the first conquistadors and continues to be of great interest to modern archaeologists as well. These scientists labeled a certain period of Mayan architectural history as the “Classic” period. This refers to a time when the Mayan civilization flourished and extended from approximately 300 to 900 AD (Miller 52). Because of our image of classical antiquity, the word “Classic” implies the heights of cultural achievement. In the classical period we imagine musicians filling the streets with celestial harmonies, poets praising the universe under arches designed by the greatest architects who ever lived. And this is the image the Maya had in mind when they adopted the term “Classic” in the 1950s. Around 300 AD in our calendar, the first inscriptions appeared at Mayan sites. There were no awkward foreplay attempts. The first ones were beautiful too: it was as if the gods had delivered them complete. Then, after 600 years, they stopped. The sites of this period seemed truly “classical”: the Maya were at their best. It seems indeed possible that all the wonders thought to characterize the Classical period similarly appeared completely and suddenly, like a rabbit out of a magician's hat (Culbert 162). In this article I will try to analyze Mayan architecture by relating some of its main components to the reader. “Temples, pyramids and ball courts appear to be major themes of Classic Maya architecture. The actual physical location of these buildings in relation to each other and the elements of their construction are also an important part of understanding Classic Maya architecture.” (Liz 1-6). Mayan temples were ceremonial and sacred places where kings, who were also religious leaders, could speak with the gods and perform ceremonies. In the temple the king used trance and other rituals to “open a door” into the world of the gods and speak with them. Each time a ritual was performed, the temple became more sacred. Temples were designed to resemble the earth when the gods first created the world. The stepped “truncated” pyramids represent the mountains; the temples on… middle of paper… the Classic period of Mayan architecture lasted about 600 years (Culbert 160). In this relatively short period, the Maya created a civilization that can only be compared to that of the ancient Egyptians and Romans. “The architecture of this extremely productive period immensely reflected Mayan culture.” (Miller, 51) The layout of their settlements is unlike any other civilization on earth. Mayan temples, pyramids, and ballparks persist to this day, revealing an entire culture's genius in architecture and construction. Classic Mayan architecture influences modern art, building, and design. Their construction techniques were primitive, yet the beauty of their works is still visible, almost as majestic as the day they were created, almost a thousand years after their completion.” (Culbert 169).'./Works CitedCulbert, Patrick. Mayan civilization. Ed. Jeremy A. Sabloff. Washington DC: S.T. Remy, 1993.Liz, Rachel. "Mayan cities and architecture". May 17th. 1998*http://www.afs.pvt.K12.pa.us/classroom/9%20History/level%201V/Group%E/page/html*Miller, Mary. “Maya Masterpiece Revealed at Bonampak.” National GeographicFebruary. 1995: 50-69