The Mayan Civilization was an ancient culture that thrived in parts of present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras from around 2000 BC to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The Mayans are known for their impressive achievements in areas like architecture, mathematics, and astronomy. They built magnificent cities with towering pyramids, temples, and palaces, showcasing their advanced engineering skills. The Mayans developed a complex writing system and a calendar that was more accurate than many used in Europe at the time. Their society was organized into city-states, each ruled by a king, and they engaged in trade, agriculture, and religious ceremonies that played a vital role in their daily lives.