of the Maya, a pre-Columbian (prior to the arrival of
Columbus in 1492 a.d.) civilization of the Yucatan Peninsula that reached its peak in the ninth century a.d. and produced magnificent ceremonial cities with pyramids, a sophisticated mathematical and
calendar system, hieroglyphic writing, and
fine sculpture,
painting and
ceramics.
—OEC - A Talk On a Basic Qual App Mar 91