Maya Culture

In 2012 especially there was a renewed focus on the Mayans, whose advanced calendar led many to speculate the world would end on the same date the Mayan calendar ends. The focus on the doomsday scenario, however, has overshadowed the Mayans' true contributions to astronomy, language, sports, and art.

Many ancient civilizations have influenced and inspired people in the 21st century. The Greeks and Romans continue to fascinate the West today. But of all the world’s civilizations, none have intrigued people more than the Mayans, whose culture, astronomy, language, and mysterious disappearance all continue to captivate people. In 2012 especially, there has been a renewed focus on the Mayans, whose calendar has led many to speculate the world will end on the same date the Mayan calendar ends. The focus on the “doomsday” scenario, however, has overshadowed the Mayans’ true contribution.

Wie haben die Maya gelebt? Ihre großartigen Paläste, Tempel und Inschriften können uns darauf eine Antwort geben. Doch lange Zeit waren sie im Regenwald verborgen. Bis sich im 19. Jahrhundert neugierige Abenteurer daran machten, ihre Geheimnisse zu lüften. Aber nicht nur darüber erzählt Wigald Boning. Auch über die Entdeckung des Kakaos, der ihm sehr gut schmeckt, und über den großen Herrscher Montezuma und die Nasca-Linien.