The ancient Maya civilization, known for its intricate and highly developed society, flourished in Mesoamerica for thousands of years, reaching its zenith during the Classic Period (250-900 AD). Central to the Maya way of life were their religious practices, which permeated every aspect of their existence, from governance and architecture to agriculture and astronomy. The Maya pantheon, composed of a multitude of gods and goddesses, was deeply intertwined with natural phenomena, celestial bodies, and human activities. And, in many ways, it was the defining feature of this enigmatic ancient civilization. Secrets of the Ancients: The Maya Pantheon and Cosmology At the heart of Maya religion was a complex pantheon of deities, each associated with specific aspects of life and nature. The primary gods included Itzamna, the creator god; Chaac, the rain god; and Ah Puch, the god of death. The Maya also worshiped a variety of other deities connected to agriculture, warfare, and the celestial bodies. These gods were not isolated figures but part of a larger cosmological framework that included the heavens, the earth, and the underworld, known as Xibalba. Read moreSection: ReligionsMyths & LegendsAmericasHistoryAncient TraditionsPremiumPreviewRead Later