Final answer:
Mathematics and calendars were vital for ancient civilizations to track seasons for agriculture and to organize societal events and rituals. The Maya, for example, created a detailed calendar that influenced various aspects of their life, including the timing of battles. Modern calendars have evolved from these early systems to better align with the astronomical year.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mathematics and calendars have been of crucial importance throughout history for various reasons. In ancient civilizations, such as those in Babylonia, Egypt, China, and among the Maya, the calendar was essential for agricultural practices. Priests and astronomers observed celestial bodies to create calendars to predict the rainy seasons and other significant events for farming, such as the annual flood of the Nile in Egypt. This helped farmers know when to plow, sow, and harvest.
The Maya civilization, known for its sophisticated mathematics and astronomy, utilized a zero in their number line enabling them to make advanced calculations. Their elaborate calendar system not only facilitated agricultural activities but was also central to their rituals and the organization of their society. The calendar was so integral that it influenced decisions on events such as battles, correlating them with astronomical cycles.
Modern calendars, like the Gregorian calendar most widely used today, have evolved to address the challenge of reconciling the incommensurable lengths of the day, month, and year. This is achieved by adopting conventions like the leap year to synchronize the calendar year with the astronomical year.