Monumental buildings and temples, typical of Mayan settlements

The land inhabited in times past by this ancient and brilliant civilization is today mission territory for the Legionaries of Christ.

They were one of the most brilliant and powerful cultures of Mesoamerica. They possessed a written language, were skilled architects, daring merchants, and talented artists. Mayans developed an agricultural society and possessed a well-developed religion which venerated the cosmos. Royal dynasties provided rulers who directed the construction of magnificent temples and ceremonial centers which remain standing to this day.

Characteristics of Mayan culture and civilization

- Monumental architectural style in urban areas and religious shrines
- Empire founded on a network of densely populated city-states
- Structured class system with well-defined professions and trades
- Hieroglyphic writing, use of codices (written on paper made of bark), and calendar
- Notable development of arts and sciences such as medicine