The Maya settled the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They reached their peak between AD 300 and AD 900. Their ruins can be found in highlands, lowlands, and coastal plains throughout the region. The Maya developed different farming practices, languages, and governments. They were not united as one empire. The Mayan civilization had interesting religion, science, economy, and also writings.

The center of the Mayan life was their religion. They believed in two levels of existence. The daily physical life they lived and the Otherworld were the two levels of existence. Each level could influence the other one. The Mayan kinds were both the political leaders and the spiritual leaders. The were responsible for their people's understanding of the Otherworld. They also had to make sure their people's behavior pleased the Gods. The rulers had rituals to please the Gods. Images provided clues to the Mayan beliefs.

The Maya believed that...