Legacy of the Mayan Number System

Imani Watson* Algebra I June 6th, 2013

Cultural Origins/ Contributions

The Mayan's had created this thing that had to do with numbers and it was called The Mayan Number System. This number system existed in South America. But to be specific it was in places such as Central Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and last Honduras. This number system was used from 250-900 AD. During that time in the US Franks and Goths invaded the ROman Empire. Also classic period of Mayan civilization and developing hieroglyphic writing along with advances in art, architecture, and science. During the classic period, hierarchical society was developed but separated classes. Society comprised of governments headed by kings they were like city states. Mayan's were very religious and the religious they had made them well known for being elaborated. The Mayan's were known for the accomplishments of math and science. Mayans resolved the use of zero and came up with a 365-day calendar. The calendar was used to predict future events and astrological events. The Mayans used 5 within a base of 20 to count.

The Number System:

Zero:

One:

Five:

Mathematical Operations
28 16 12

108

45

153

110
8
c

880