Long Count

Definition

The Long Count is a calendrical system used by the Maya civilization in ancient Mesoamerica to track time over long periods. It is a complex system that utilizes a series of interlocking cycles to measure days, months, and years, allowing for the recording of historical events and the tracking of astronomical phenomena.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Long Count system uses a base-20 number system, with each position representing a different unit of time, such as days, months, and years.
2. The Long Count calendar begins on a fixed date, known as the 'Creation Date,' which is calculated to be August 11, 3114 BCE in the Gregorian calendar.
3. The Long Count system consists of five components: the baktun (400 years), the katun (20 years), the tun (1 year), the uinal (20 days), and the kin (1 day).
4. The Long Count date is typically written in the format 12.18.16.2.6, which represents the number of days, months, tuns, katuns, and baktuns since the Creation Date.
5. The Long Count system was used by the Maya to record important historical events, such as the accession of kings, the completion of construction projects, and the occurrence of astronomical phenomena.

Review Questions

• Explain the structure and components of the Maya Long Count calendar system.
  • The Maya Long Count calendar system is a complex, base-20 system that tracks time over long periods. It consists of five interlocking components: the kin (1 day), the uinal (20 days), the tun (1 year), the katun (20 years), and the baktun (400 years). These components are used to create a unique date that represents the number of days, months, years, and longer cycles since the fixed 'Creation Date' of August 11, 3114 BCE. The Long Count system allowed the Maya to record and track historical events, astronomical phenomena, and the reigns of rulers with great precision.
• Analyze the significance of the Long Count calendar in the context of Maya civilization and its use in recording historical events.
  • The Long Count calendar was a crucial aspect of Maya civilization, as it allowed them to track time and record important historical events with remarkable accuracy. By utilizing the complex system of interlocking cycles, the Maya were able to document the accession of kings, the completion of construction projects, and the occurrence of astronomical events, such as eclipses and the movements of celestial bodies. This detailed record-keeping not only provided a means of chronicling the history of their civilization but also enabled the Maya to develop a deep understanding of the cosmos and their place within it. The Long Count calendar was a testament to the Maya's advanced mathematical and astronomical knowledge, and it played a central role in their religious and cultural practices.
• Evaluate the impact of the Long Count calendar on the development of Maya civilization and its influence on other Mesoamerican cultures.
  • The Long Count calendar was a transformative innovation that had a profound impact on the development of Maya civilization and its influence on other Mesoamerican cultures. By providing a comprehensive system for tracking time and recording historical events, the Long Count calendar allowed the Maya to develop a sophisticated understanding of their world and their place within it. This, in turn, enabled them to make significant advancements in fields such as astronomy, mathematics, and architecture, which were then shared and adapted by neighboring cultures. The Long Count calendar also served as a unifying force within Maya society, as it facilitated the coordination of religious and political activities across the vast Maya region. Furthermore, the Long Count's influence extended beyond the Maya, as it was adopted and adapted by other Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Aztecs and the Toltecs, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of this remarkable timekeeping system.

Related terms

Tzolkin:

The Tzolkin is a 260-day sacred calendar used by the Maya, which is one of the components of the Long Count system.

Haab: The Haab is a 365-day solar calendar used by the Maya, which is another component of the Long Count system.

Katun: The Katun is a 20-year cycle within the Long Count system, which was used to mark the passage of time and the reigns of rulers.