Long count calendar

Definition

The long count calendar is a Mesoamerican calendar system used by the Maya civilization to track longer periods of time, particularly for historical and ceremonial purposes. It operates on a base-20 counting system, using a combination of baktuns, katuns, tuns, uinals, and kins to represent dates over thousands of years, making it essential for understanding the chronology of Maya history and events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The long count calendar consists of five main units: baktun (144,000 days), katun (7,200 days), tun (360 days), uinal (20 days), and kin (1 day), allowing for detailed tracking of dates.
2. This calendar was primarily used for recording significant historical events, including the reigns of rulers and monumental construction dates.
3. The long count calendar began in 3114 BCE according to the GMT correlation, making it crucial for dating ancient Maya texts and artifacts.
4. Maya codices often feature long count dates alongside other calendrical systems, demonstrating the integration of different temporal frameworks in their records.
5. The long count calendar culminated in a significant date of December 21, 2012, which led to widespread interest and misunderstanding regarding the Maya's view on time and prophecy.

Review Questions

• How does the long count calendar demonstrate the complexity of the Maya's understanding of time?
  • The long count calendar showcases the Maya's advanced mathematical skills and their unique perspective on time as cyclical rather than linear. Its structure allows for the tracking of extensive periods and significant historical events over thousands of years. This complexity reflects their sophisticated societal organization and deep connection to their history, as well as their ability to predict future cycles based on past patterns.
• In what ways did the long count calendar influence the creation of codices and record-keeping in Maya society?
  • The long count calendar served as a foundational framework for organizing historical information in Maya codices. It enabled scribes to record important dates, such as royal events or significant rituals, providing a chronological context for these narratives. The integration of long count dates within codices highlights its importance not just for administrative purposes but also for cultural identity and continuity within Maya civilization.
• Evaluate the role of the long count calendar in Maya rituals and its implications for understanding their cosmology.
  • The long count calendar was integral to various Maya rituals that often aligned with specific historical dates or cosmic cycles. By connecting events to the long count, the Maya demonstrated their belief in a cosmic order where time was sacred. This relationship between timekeeping and ritual practice underscores how deeply ingrained the concept of time was in their cosmology, shaping not only religious observances but also societal norms and governance.

Related terms

Maya Hieroglyphs: A writing system that combines logograms and syllabic symbols used by the Maya to record historical events, rituals, and genealogies.

Calendar Round: A 52-year cycle that combines the 260-day tzolkin and the 365-day haab calendars, used by the Maya to mark shorter periods and coordinate social and agricultural activities.

Baktun: A period of approximately 394 years in the long count calendar, significant for marking major historical events in Maya society.