The Mayan Civilization was located in Mesoamerica: primarily Southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.
The religion began at the time the civilization began, around 250 CE. There was no specific founder of the Mayan religion, but the most important people/beings in their religion were the gods. There were over 165 of them and they were human-like: living, dying, and doing human-like activities. Mayan rulers were also important. They were seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people. They were buried in elaborate tombs surrounded by many offerings. The Mayans believed people were created after two twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque, who went on a journey to defeat the lords of the underworld. They resurrected their father, the maize god. Because their father was resurrected, maize was resurrected giving the people the food they needed to live. |
Map of the location of the Maya
The two twins on their journey
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