Final answer:
Historians have learned about Mayan religion through archaeological findings, Mayan codices, and the social structure of their city-states. The Maya had significant achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and writing, which were interlinked with their religious practices. Despite Spanish destruction, advances in anthropology and archaeology have shed light on their complex society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Mayan Religion Through Historical Evidence
Historians have pieced together the intricate tapestry of Mayan religion through various sources such as architecture, Mayan codices, and the remnants of the religious hierarchy within city-states. The Maya civilization was known for its staggering achievements in fields like mathematics, astronomy, and architecture, which were intertwined with their religious practices. These achievements include the development of an accurate calendar influenced by their observation of the seasons and the solar system.
The societal organization of the Maya was greatly influenced by their spiritual beliefs. Human sacrifices and blood-letting ceremonies were crucial aspects of their religious rituals, believed to appease the gods. Additionally, the Mayans achieved cultural sophistication, creating a complex system of writing that included around 800 hieroglyphs, and a base-20 number system with the concept of 'zero' before it was known in Western Europe.
While much knowledge was lost due to the Spanish conquest, which led to the destruction of many Mayan texts and other sources of knowledge, scholars have since made significant strides in rediscovering their history. This has been accomplished through the study of anthropology, archaeology, and the reexamination of their culture, allowing for a better understanding of the Mayan religion and the extensive reach of their early empire. The cyclical nature of the Mayan calendar highlights how rituals and cosmology played a vital role in determining the structure of time and the planning of events in Mayan society.