Talk:Maya architecture

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[edit] Requested move

All discussion surrounding the requested move should take place at Talk:Maya calendar#Requested move. -- tariqabjotu (joturner) 05:18, 12 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] compared to the aztecs?

What I want to know is how mayan cities and architecture compared to aztec cities and architechture. Were the cities as decorated and complex as the Aztecs, or were they just villages? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!-- chuatemoc 01:32, 22 March 2007

Hi Chuatemoc. There were many thousands of Maya sites, spanning about two millennia and covering an extensive region; a few of 'em are linked to at List of Maya sites. They ranged from small villages to massive monumental complexes among the largest urban centres anywhere in pre-Columbian Americas- see for eg El Mirador, Tikal, Caracol, Chunchucmil. In terms of architecture and decoration, the variety, size and complexity of their structures are rivalled by a only a few others elsewhere in Mesoamerica. The Maya civilization article has more info.

The Aztecs were relatively late arrivals on the Mesoamerican scene, and while some of their cities, notably Tenochtitlan were equally impressive, they covered a smaller territory. Unfortunately, Aztec settlements have in general been substantially obliterated and built over by Spanish colonial settlements, while a good number of Maya ruins were spared this fate since many had been long-abandoned by the time the conquistadores came.--cjllw | TALK 23:41, 22 March 2007 (UTC)