Long Count Calendar

Definition

The Long Count Calendar is a Mesoamerican calendar system that was used by the Maya civilization to track long periods of time and historical events. It is a non-repeating calendar that counts days from a mythical starting point, allowing for the recording of dates over thousands of years. This calendar is essential for understanding the Maya's chronological framework and their historical documentation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Long Count Calendar consists of five cycles: Baktun (144,000 days), Katun (7,200 days), Tun (360 days), Uinal (20 days), and K'in (1 day).
2. The calendar begins at a date corresponding to August 11, 3114 BCE in the Gregorian calendar, marking the start of the current era in Maya history.
3. Long Count dates are expressed in a numerical format that represents the number of each cycle; for example, 12.0.0.0.0 signifies twelve Baktun cycles.
4. This calendar was crucial for the Maya in recording historical events and significant dates, such as the reigns of kings and important ceremonies.
5. The Long Count Calendar gained attention during the 2012 phenomenon, where some interpreted the end of a Baktun cycle as a potential apocalyptic event.

Review Questions

• How does the Long Count Calendar help us understand the historical context of the Maya civilization?
  • The Long Count Calendar allows us to place significant events in a chronological framework, providing insights into the political and social dynamics of the Maya civilization. By recording dates over thousands of years, it helps historians connect archaeological findings with documented historical events, such as rulers' reigns and monumental constructions. This understanding enriches our perspective on how the Maya viewed time and their place within it.
• Compare and contrast the Long Count Calendar with other Mesoamerican calendars like Tzolk'in and Haab'.
  • While the Long Count Calendar focuses on tracking long periods over thousands of years, the Tzolk'in and Haab' calendars serve different purposes. The Tzolk'in is a sacred 260-day calendar used primarily for rituals, while Haab' is a 365-day solar calendar aligned with agricultural cycles. Together, these calendars reflect how the Maya intertwined their daily lives with religious beliefs and natural cycles, with the Long Count providing a broader context for historical documentation.
• Evaluate the significance of the Long Count Calendar in contemporary discussions about Maya culture and its legacy.
  • The Long Count Calendar holds significant relevance today as it embodies both the advanced astronomical knowledge and cultural depth of the Maya civilization. Contemporary discussions about this calendar often revolve around its impact on modern interpretations of Maya history and how it reflects their worldview. Furthermore, events like the 2012 phenomenon illustrate how ancient systems can resonate within current cultural narratives, prompting a renewed interest in Mesoamerican studies and preservation of indigenous heritage.

Related terms

Maya Civilization: An ancient Mesoamerican civilization known for its advanced architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and hieroglyphic writing.

Tzolk'in: A 260-day sacred calendar used by the Maya, consisting of 20 periods of 13 days, significant for rituals and ceremonies.

Haab': A 365-day solar calendar used by the Maya, comprising 18 months of 20 days each, plus an additional short month of 5 days.