Like the Egyptians, the Mayas are well known for pyramids, which vary in shape depending on where they were built. The Maya occupied the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.

The civilization was formed as early as 1500 BC.

They developed astronomy, calendar systems and writing. They built observatories to watch stars.  They were highly skilled as potters and weavers.

About AD 300 to 900  the major centers including Palenque, Tikal, and Copán were mysteriously abandoned. The reasons are still unknown. A few centers continued until the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.