Long Count

Definition

The Long Count is a Mesoamerican calendar system used by the Maya civilization to track longer periods of time, representing a continuous count of days since a mythological starting point. This system allowed the Maya to create detailed historical records and to align their rituals and ceremonies with specific dates, integrating their history with cosmology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Long Count calendar begins on a mythical date equivalent to August 11, 3114 BCE in the Gregorian calendar.
2. Each cycle in the Long Count consists of various units: baktun (144,000 days), katun (7,200 days), tun (360 days), uinal (20 days), and k'in (1 day).
3. The Long Count was critical for recording significant historical events and monumental inscriptions in ancient Maya society.
4. It functioned not only as a chronological tool but also had deep cosmological significance in Maya beliefs about time and creation.
5. The Long Count experienced a surge in interest due to misinterpretations around the year 2012, which was thought to represent the end of a cycle.

Review Questions

• How does the Long Count calendar differ from other Mesoamerican calendars such as the Tzolk'in and Haab'?
  • The Long Count calendar differs from the Tzolk'in and Haab' in that it provides a continuous count of days over extended periods, rather than serving as a cyclical calendar. While the Tzolk'in is focused on ritual and ceremonial purposes within a 260-day framework and the Haab' organizes time into a solar year of 365 days, the Long Count allows for precise historical record-keeping over thousands of years. This makes it particularly valuable for documenting significant events in Maya history.
• Discuss the significance of the Long Count calendar in relation to Maya historical records and its role in their society.
  • The Long Count calendar was essential for the Maya as it provided a systematic way to chronologically document historical events, allowing them to connect past occurrences with present activities. By marking important dates on monuments and inscriptions, they integrated their cultural history with religious and cosmic beliefs. The use of this calendar reinforced social structure by establishing timelines for rituals and governance based on celestial movements, thus enhancing their understanding of both history and spirituality.
• Evaluate the impact of modern interpretations of the Long Count calendar on our understanding of Maya civilization and their beliefs about time.
  • Modern interpretations of the Long Count have greatly influenced our understanding of Maya civilization, particularly regarding their complex relationship with time. Misconceptions surrounding the year 2012 led to widespread interest and discussion about Mayan prophecies, emphasizing how deeply they intertwined cosmology with everyday life. Scholars have highlighted that rather than viewing time as linear or ending, the Maya perceived it as cyclical with recurring cycles reflecting broader cosmic truths. This evaluation reveals how fundamental timekeeping was to their identity and cultural practices, showcasing the sophistication of their astronomical knowledge.

Related terms

Tzolk'in: The 260-day sacred calendar of the Maya, consisting of 20 periods of 13 days, used for ceremonial and agricultural purposes.

Haab': The 365-day solar calendar used by the Maya, consisting of 18 months of 20 days each, plus an additional short month of 5 days.

Calendar Round: A 52-year cycle that combines the Tzolk'in and Haab' calendars to create a unique date system for the Maya, ensuring that every date would only repeat every 52 years.