The Mesoamerican Long Count is an ancient calendar system used by several civilizations in Mesoamerica, including the Maya. It tracks time over long periods, starting from a mythical creation date, which corresponds to August 11, 3114 BCE. The Long Count is made up of cycles, including the baktun, which lasts about 394 years, allowing the Maya to record historical events and predict future ones. This calendar is significant because it reflects the Maya's advanced understanding of astronomy and timekeeping. The Long Count was often inscribed on monuments and pottery, helping historians piece together the rich history of Mesoamerican cultures and their beliefs about time and the cosmos.