The Maya were a pre-Columbian civilization known for their accurate calendar, sophisticated writing system, and impressive architecture. They occupied parts of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Maya history is divided into three  periods: Preclassic (ca. 2000 BCE–250 CE), Classic (ca. 250–950 CE), and Postclassic (from ca. 950 until the arrival of the Spanish in 1511 CE).

Politically the Maya were organized into city-states, with shifting patterns of alliance and dominance. Important Maya cities include: Palenque, Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Coba, and Calakmul (all in Mexico); Tikal (Guatemala), El Pilar (Belize/Guatemala border region), Caracol (Belize), and Copan (Honduras).

Characteristic Mayan buildings are temples in the form of stone step-pyramids with monumental stairways, ornate multi-story palaces, and ceremonial ballcourts. Maya artists excelled at sculpture in stone and terracotta, wall paintings, jade ornaments, and painted ceramics. Web resources here and here.

The Temple of the Inscriptions (left) and the Palace (right), Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. Classic Maya. 7th c. CE.