Did the Mayans use math to build the pyramids?

For example, to the Greeks the word myriad meant 10,000. The sophisticated Mayan system of math enabled them to develop accurate time measurements (among the most accurate ever developed), erect huge step-pyramids, and control a vast system of trading with neighboring civilizations.



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“The Maya did not use the wheel nor draft animals, so they transported the building materials using person-power from the quarries to the building site,” Tulane Professor of Linguistics and Anthropology Judith Maxwell said of the Maya method for transporting heavy materials. Large building blocks were rolled on logs.

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Mesoamerican peoples built pyramids from around 1000 B.C. up until the time of the Spanish conquest in the early 16th century. (Egyptian pyramids are much older than American ones; the earliest Egyptian pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser, was built in the 27 century BC).

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The sacrificial pyramids' steps were used as a mean to “finish off” the sacrificed bodies by throwing them from the top of the stair to the bottom of the pyramid. The steepness in that case insured that the body would indeed roll all the way down.

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Similar to the Mayans, the Aztecs were known for their pyramids. However, there are far more Mayan ruins still in existence to this day than there are Aztec ruins.

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In short, the Maya came first, and settled in modern-day Mexico. Next, came the Olmecs, who also settled Mexico. They didn't build any major cities, but they were widespread and prosperous. They were followed by the Inca in modern-day Peru, and finally the Aztecs, also in modern-day Mexico.

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They followed the movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars, and developed an accurate calendar very similar to our years, months, and weeks. They practiced mathematics (a base-20 system), and independently invented the concept of zero. They developed a system of writing, and kept written records in books.

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