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Precision astronomical calendar — Haab and Tzolkin

~200 AD · Transmission: Parallel
AstronomySystemMaya

The Maya develop a dual calendar system: the Haab (365 days) and the Tzolkin (260 days). They measure the solar year at 365.242 days (error < 0.001% relative to the modern value). They predict lunar eclipses decades in advance. They track the cycle of Venus with hour-level precision. All developed without contact with other astronomical traditions of the ancient world.

InstitutionMaya ceremonial centers
Historical regionMesoamerica (present-day Guatemala/Mexico/Belize)
Primary sourceDresden Codex — Venus and eclipse tables (c.1200-1250 AD); Classic period stelae (250-900 AD)
Secondary sourceThompson, J.E.S. — Maya Hieroglyphic Writing (1950, Carnegie Institution); Aveni, A. — Skywatchers of Ancient Mexico (1980, UT Press)
Original languageMaya (glyphs)
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