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150
El Mirador's Height
The Mayan city, El Mirador, is at its height in northern Guatemala. The Maya still exist today, though their height was from 250-900 AD. they were renowned for their art and architecture, and for being the only Pre-Columbian nation with a written language. El Mirador was perhaps the greatest Mayan city. The picture shown is a view of an arch leading to a temple in El Mirador. -
250
Maya classic period begins
In 250 AD, the Maya's Classic Period begins. During this era, the Maya went through massive urbanization and development in the arts and sciences. During this time, they also traded with many other Mesoamerican cultures such as the Teotihucan and the Zapotec. This period ended in 900 AD, when their culture declined for unknown reasons. Shown is a vessel from this time period. -
Jan 1, 1000
Fall of Chichen Itza
Around 1000 AD, Chichen Itza, a major Mayan city, collapsed for as yet unknown reasons. Though activities in the city rapidly decreased and the city was greatly depopulated, there is some evidence that some people decided to remain after the fall. Shown is Castillo temple, which is in the city. -
Jan 1, 1523
Spanish invasion
Pedro de Alvarado leads a Mexico-based Spanish expedition and forces Spanish rule on Guatemala. He started out with 120 horsemen, 300 foot soldiers, and several hundred auxilaries. He first allied himself with the Cakchiquel people, helping them further their own causes before eventually turning on them after he felt his dominion was secure. Shown in the picture is the flag of Spain. -
Guatemala switches nationalities
On 15 December, 1921, Guatemala declares independence from Spain. However, almost immediately afterward, Guatemala becomes part of the Mexican Empire. in 1823, after being a part of Mexico for only about two years, Guatemala breaks free again to form the United Provinces of Central America, a union they left in 1839. Shown is the flag of Mexico. -
Social and Economic revolution
Juan Jose Arevalo becomes president of Guatemala after the start of of a cultural and economic revolution. With ambitious plans, he took encouraged better healthcare and education. However, a program of taking over private land and distributing it to landless people scared the United States, reminding them of communism. The US then sponsored a revolt against the president then, Arbenz. Since, the political situation of Guatemala has been unstable. Shown is people protesting Arbenz's expulsion. -
Guatemala Earthquake
in 1976, a huge earthquake hit Guatemala, causing $700 million in damage and about 23,000 deaths. It was rated a 7.5, and about 76,000 were injured. most adobe housed around Guatemala City were completely destroyed. It struck at night, about 3:00, and was followed by many aftershocks, some larger ones causing more major damage. The accompanying picture is one of the fault line of the 1976 earthquake. -
Toltecs adapt religion
In 900 Ad, the Toltec civilization adaps the Mayan religious theory that the world had been created five times and destroyed four times. This theory went on to play an large role in Mesoamerican religion. The ancient Mayan religion was heavily centered on time, and many deities were worshipped. Religious practices included divination, astromony, human sacrifice, elaborate burials for royalty, and worship in stone pyramids. Shown in the picture is the remains of a temple once used for worship.
