The system that Maya used to calculate time periods is one of the most inspiring. Many astronomers, mathematicians, and other scientists have studied it to understand its use and how it has affected other civilizations up to the present day.
The Mayan calendar was first used during the 6th century BCE. Its previous form calculated time in periods and was only used to find out if one occasion was before or after another. This made it evident that they understood the linear conception of time as past, present, future. However, the Mayan calendar soon became one of the most complete systems for those days. The calendar used one way to calculate long periods of time known as the Long Count and another way to calculate shorter periods known as the Short Count. Both forms are based on a number of days since the first day they were formed. They used this date as a starting point. The date has been identified, but it is still different depending on whether it is calculated using the Gregorian or Julian calendar.
The development of the Mayan calendar is very interesting to scientists and historians for several reasons. Scientists and especially astronomers have studied it many times because of the interest it shows in lunar cycles. In fact, a complementary form was used, namely the Venus cycle which showed that they could calculate the Venus cycle very accurately. This precision in the calculation of the cycle of Venus was based on the observation of the astronomers of those times and, of course, this is very important and exciting for astronomers today. This complementary form was used in correlation with the many beliefs they held. For example, it is said that all wars started when Venus reached a certain point.
Historians, on the other hand, are interested in the Mayan calendar for another reason. There is evidence that the complementary cycles that were used were associated with animals and food. This shows the importance of the whole culture. The calendar was a complete way of manifesting their culture. His life was based on questions like that.
The most important thing that we understand about the Mayan calendar and its use is the fact that they had a very complete civilization. They understood the concept of time, they had a complete conception of the past, present and future, and in fact this was the point on which they initially based the earlier form of the calendar. Another thing that is very important is the fact that not being able to calculate time with a calendar way, they added complementary ways. This shows an evolution to make a precise form based on sciences that had conquered as astronomy. The last thing to consider is the fact that they based their entire lives on these periods and time intervals. It was used in all phases of life demonstrating an advanced form of civilization. The war, the seasons and many other important things were decided in it.