The Maya civilization has developed within the Mesoamerican cultural area, covering a region that extends south to Central America from northern Mexico.
The history of the Maya civilization is divided into three principal periods: the Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic periods.

1. Maya Preclassic period (1800 BC - 250 AD)
In the Preclassic period, the Maya began their first civilization. Settlements were established in the Pacific Coast region of Soconusco around 1800 BC, and they already cultivated the staple crops of maize, beans, squash, and chili pepper.

2. Maya Classic period (c. 250–900 AD)
This was largely defined as the golden age of the Maya Empire. Classic Maya civilization grew to some 40 cities, each of which held a population of between 5,000 and 50,000 people. The Maya population may have reached a peak of 2,000,000.
The central Maya region suffered a major political breakdown during the 9th century AD, marked by the destruction of cities, the end of dynasties, and a change in movement towards the north. Some evidence claimed that Mayan farming methods such as irrigation and terracing are really advanced.

3. Maya Postclassic period (950- 1539 AD)
Although much reduced, a significant Maya presence remained into the Postclassic period after the abandonment of the major Classic period cities; the population was particularly concentrated near permanent water sources. After the rapid collapse of Chichen Itza, the Maya region lacked a dominant power until the rise of the city of Mayapan in the 12th century.

Mysterious Decline of the Maya
Maya civilization started to collapse with the abandonment of many Classic cities from the late eighth through the end of the ninth century. We couldn’t certify what is the reason, however, there are some premises. Some scholars argue that maybe the Maya ran out of resources and failed to sustain a large population in the 9th century.

Maya Culture
Some of the most extraordinary masterpieces of the Classic Maya were their temples and palaces in a stepped pyramid shape, decorated with elaborate reliefs and inscriptions. The Maya are also respected for being the master of mathematics and astronomy, including the use of the zero and the development of complex calendar systems like the Calendar Round.

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