Maya city-states (Classic period)

Also known as Maya civilisation

c. 250 CE – c. 900 CE · about 650 years approximate dates

Classic Maya civilisation consisted of competing kingdoms such as Tikal, Calakmul, Palenque and Copán in southern Mexico and Central America. The Maya developed a full writing system, astronomy and a sophisticated calendar. Most southern lowland cities were abandoned in the 9th century, though Maya states continued in the north and highlands until the Spanish conquest.