Maya-Glyphs
Maya civilization is renowned for its sophisticated writing system, known as Maya glyphs. These glyphs were used extensively from the 3rd century BCE until the 17th century CE, with their usage peaking during the Classic Period (c. 250–900 CE). Here are some key points about Maya glyphs:
-
Structure
Each glyph block was composed of multiple signs, which could represent:
- Syllabic signs: Representing sounds, often used for writing foreign words or names.
- Logograms: Representing whole words or concepts, akin to hieroglyphs in other cultures.
- Affixes: These were added to the main signs to modify meaning or indicate grammatical functions like possession or tense.
-
Usage
Maya glyphs were used for various purposes:
- Recording historical events, genealogies, and astronomical observations.
- Creating inscriptions on monuments, stelae, and architecture.
- Writing books (known as Maya codices), although most of these were destroyed by the Spanish during the conquest.
-
Decipherment
The decipherment of Maya glyphs began in the 19th century but saw significant progress in the mid-20th century:
- The work of scholars like Yuri Knorosov, who proposed that some signs were phonetic, was pivotal.
- Modern breakthroughs came with the discovery of bilingual texts like the Dresden Codex and the Glyphs of Tortuguero, which helped in understanding the phonetic and logographic components of the script.
-
Historical Context
The glyphs tell us about:
- The political, religious, and social life of the Maya.
- Important dates and events, including the Long Count Calendar dates which were used to record significant historical events.
- Ritualistic and astronomical knowledge, showcasing the Maya's understanding of time, space, and the cosmos.
External Links:
Related Topics: