Mayas

Cultural  

1. A Native American people, living in what is now Mexico and northern Central America, who had a flourishing civilization from before the birth of Jesus until around 1600, when they were conquered by the Spanish. The Mayas are known for their astronomical observations, accurate calendars, sophisticated hieroglyphics, and pyramids.

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Example Sentences

Tamales date to pre-Hispanic times when Olmecs, Mexicas and Mayas prepared them for religious rituals, offerings and even placed them in tombs.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 30, 2023

“Some people say it will bring great benefits, but for us Mayas that work the land, that live here, we don’t see any benefits.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 7, 2022

The city is home to Mexicans who speak languages such as Zapotec, Mixtec and Triqui, as well as Guatemalan Mayas who speak languages like K’iche’ and Q’anjob’al.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2019

They talk about the bond between the Mayas and the bees, who provided them with honey for medicinal purposes while the Mayas protected and cared for them, a tradition they continue to uphold today.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2018

She spoke of the ancient medicines of other tribes, the Aztecas, Mayas, and even of those in the old, old country, the Moors.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya