only five days long, called the Wayeb, and was considered unlucky.In mathematics, the Mayans were quite intelligent. They developed a number system using a combination of dots and bars. These dots and bars were stacked together in piles of twenty, with the dot meaning one and the bar meaning five. They also made the original discovery of the number zero. This is a very important development.They also developed an advanced system of writing similar to Egyptian Hieroglyphics. They contained over 800 signs, and each one usually represented an entire word. It was a very visual language and the meaning of the sign reflected what it looked like. Their writing was highly sophisticated; only members of the higher classes were able to read their symbols. The Maya carved these symbols into stone, but the most common place for writing was probably the highly perishable books they made from bark paper, coated with lime to make a fresh white surface. These "books" were screen-folded and bound with wood and deer hide. They are called codices, plural for codex. Because of their perishable nature and zealous Spanish book burning, only four codices remain today. The contents of the codices must have varied, but some of them were like astronomic almanacs.A large part of Mayan life was art. The art was a reflection of their civilization and culture. Some types of art included painting on paper and plaster, carving on wood and stone, and creating stucco models. The language was also like art. The language actually consisted of pictures and drawings.In both the priesthood and kingship, power was passed down from generation to generation. The kings were believed to be gods on earth, and this gave them the power to rule. There was a religious explanation that explained that having a ruler was essential for the continuance of the universe. The kings were also believed to be able to enter meditative states where the receive instructions from the gods....
