12 Facts About the Maya That Aren’t About Doomsday Clocks or Human Sacrifice
Most of us are completely fascinated with the Maya culture of ancient Mexico. But unfortunately for the Maya, certain factoids seem to have stuck harder than others. First off, tales of a “doomsday clock” that aren't even based in fact. Second, their penchant for human sacrifice, which, yes, is true, but probably not what they’d like to be their defining characteristic. Sure does line up with how we like to think of foreign, ancient civilizations, though!
As a nice change of pace, though, here are 12 cool facts about the Maya that involve little-to-no bloodletting…
They Were Excellent Doctors
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The Maya had an extensive knowledge of natural medicine, including the creation of ancient painkillers and anesthetics.
They Were One of the First Civilizations to Use Rubber
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The Maya figured out how to make rubber out of natural latex, and used it for a very modern purpose: sports balls.
They Had Saunas
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Their sweat lodges prove that humankind has understood the value of a good schvitz for at least 3,000 years now.
They Considered Caves Connections to the Underworld
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Caves, specifically “cenotes,” or underground lakes and rivers, were considered by the Maya to be a direct link to the underworld.
They Had Their Own Version of Fairies
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“Aluxes” were tiny creatures that protected natural aspects of the civilization like crops and animals.
They Iced Out Their Teeth
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One method of Maya personal beautification was to drill holes into their front teeth, studding them with gems like jade and turquoise.
They Used Cacao Beans As Currency
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Most people know of the Maya’s links to cacao and chocolate, but lesser known is that the cacao beans were valuable enough that they were used as a form of currency.
They Were Prolific Traders
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The Maya were far from an insular civilization, trading goods like salt, weapons and jewels with other civilizations throughout what’s now known as Mexico and Central America.
Modern Mexican Cuisine Pulls Directly From the Maya
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Both their crops, which included maize, beans and avocados, and their recipes are still prevalent in modern Mexican cuisine.
They Had Not Only Language, But Books
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Though it seems to have primarily been among the Maya priests, they not only had written language but honest-to-god books. Only four survive today.
They Had Their Own Form of A Bible
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The “Popol Vu” is a book that neatly lays out the basis of the entire Maya religion. It’s a priceless document that probably saved anthropologists a whole lot of ancient-scroll jigsaw puzzles.
There Are Plenty of Maya Around Today
It’s understandable you wouldn’t think so, given how often the word “vanished” is thrown around, but Maya people are still around today. In fact, they make up the majority of the population in Guatemala.