Final answer:
The Maya excelled in mathematics, astronomy, developed an advanced calendar, and created a writing system. They built remarkable city-states and practiced complex religious ceremonies including human sacrifice. Despite their decline around 900 CE, descendants of the Maya still exist today.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major achievements of the Maya civilization are extensive and impressive, ranging from advancements in mathematics and astronomy to monumental architecture. They devised a comprehensive calendar and a complex system of hieroglyphic writing, all of which played a fundamental role in their society. Human sacrifices and blood-letting ceremonies were deeply integrated into their religious system, serving to appease deities and maintain order within their city-states. Culturally, the Maya created intricate art, expansive city-states, and robust trade networks using precious materials like gold, jade, and obsidian. Although the Maya city-states declined around 900 CE, modern descendants of the Maya continue to live in Central America, and they preserve many aspects of their ancient culture.