Development of Science in Mesoamerica

Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico up to the border of
South America. There is no doubt that the Mesoamerican region is rich in culture and knowledge prior to
the arrival of its European colonizers.

The Maya Civilization is one of the famous civilization that lasted for approximately 2,000 years. These
people are known for their works in astronomy. They incorporated their advanced understanding of
astronomy into their temples and other religious structures. This allow them to use their temples for
astronomical observation. For example, the pyramid at Chichen Itza in Mexico is situated at the location
of the Sun during spring and fall equinoxes.

Mayan knowledge and understanding about celestial bodies was advanced for their time, as evidence of
their knowledge of predicting eclipse and using astrological cycles in planting and harvesting. The
Mayans are also known for measuring time using two complicated calendar systems. These calendars
were very useful for their life especially in planning their activities and in observing their religious rituals
and cultural celebrations.

The Mayans also developed the technology for growing different crops and building elaborate cities
using ordinary machineries and tools. They built hydraulics system with sophisticated waterways to
supply water to different communities.

Furthermore, they used various tools to adapt themselves to innovations especially in the field of arts.
The Mayans built looms for weaving cloth and devised a rainbow of glittery paints made from the
mineral called mica. They also believed to be one of the first people to produce rubber products 3,000
years before the Goodyear received its patent in 1844.

The Mayans are considered one of the most scientifically advanced societies in Mesoamerica. They are
also famous as one of the world’s first civilizations to use a writing system known as the Mayan
hieroglyphics. They were also skilled in mathematics and created a number system based on the numeral
20. Moreover, they independently developed the concept of zero and positional value, even before the
Romans did.

The Inca civilization is also famous in Mesoamerica. The Incas made advanced scientific ideas considering
their limitations as an old civilization. These following were scientific ideas and tools that they develop to
help themselves in everyday life:

1. Roads paved with stones;

2. Stone buildings that surrounded earthquakes and other disasters;
3. Irrigation system and technique for storing water for their crops to grow in all types of land.
4. Calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals and prepare them for planting season;
5. The first suspension bridge;
6. Quipu, a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret; and
7. Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially prized artistic achievements.
Following the Inca, the Aztec civilization has also made substantial contributions to science and
technology and to the society as a whole. Some of their contribution are the following:

1. Mandatory education – The Aztec puts value on education; that is why their children are
mandated to get education regardless of their social class, gender, or age. It is an early form of
universal or inclusive education.
2. Chocolates – The Aztec in Mexico developed chocolates during their time. In Mayan culture,
they used it as currency. The Aztec valued cacao beans highly and made it as part of their tribute
to their gods.
3. Antispasmodic medication – They used a types of antispasmodic medication that could prevent
muscle spasms and relax muscles, which could help during surgery.
4. Chinampa – It is a form of Aztec technology for agricultural farming in which the land was
divided into rectangular areas and surrounded by canals.
5. Aztec calendar – This enabled them to plan their activities, rituals and planting season.
6. Invention of the canoe – A light narrow boat used for travelling in water systems.