The Maya civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization developed by the Maya peoples, and noted for its hieroglyphic script—the only known fully developed writing system of the pre-Columbian Americas—as well as for its art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical system. The Maya civilization originated in the Yucatán Peninsula and extended throughout Central America. At its peak it included parts of modern-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Many aspects of this civilization were later absorbed into the Aztec Empire.
The Maya civilization grew to some degree through diffusion of ideas from other Mesoamerican civilizations but also had significant Olmec influences on their art and iconography. The early history of the Maya is shrouded in mystery but archeological evidence suggests that they first settled in present day Belize around 1500 BCE before moving south into Mexico some 1000 years later. The classic period of Maya Civilization corresponded with the height of the city-state regionally known as Mesoamerica (250 CE – 900 CE). This era saw great advances in art, mathematics and astronomy; an extensive trade network linked cities such as Tikal with distant Teotihuacan;and large pyramids erected at sites like Copan. During the Postclassic Period (900–1539), central Mexico was dominated by Toltec invaders who overthrew most existing dynasties including that of the Maya at Chichén Itzá.
It was not until after these wars that Spanish conquistadores led by Hernán Cortés arrived in 1519–21, making first contact with what is now known as Guatemala.:65 After subduing resistance from various indigenous groups including the Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs,:131 Cortés began exploring further into Mesoamerica where he encountered other sophisticated civilizations such as those at Palenqueand Tajin.:161 Although initially impressed by these cultures,Cortés ultimately came to view them all as potential rivals to Spanish rule so began a campaign of conquest which culminated in the complete destruction or subjugation of most major Mesoamerican cities by 1550.:257 In addition to military force Spaniards used disease epidemics (including smallpox)to depopulate areas ahead of conquest which contributed to wholesale die offs among native populations.:167 Following defeat many survivors were sold into slaveryor forcibly relocated to work on plantations or mines owned by Spaniards while others managed to flee deeper into rainforest regions outside Spanish control where they established independent communities often referred to collectively as Mestizos. These groups continued many traditions associated with Classic Maya Civilization albeit in a highly syncretic fashion fusing Christian beliefs with traditional practices.:82–83