The Maya Empire was located in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, covering a vast region of Mesoamerica. Key landmarks of this area include the Yucatán Peninsula, which extends into the Gulf of Mexico, and stretches into Central America. Major ancient Maya cities, such as Tikal, Chichen Itza, and Copán, were situated in this region.
These cities were often built near sources of fresh water, such as rivers or cenotes, and were positioned to take advantage of fertile land for agriculture. The location of these cities in the dense jungles of Mesoamerica allowed for the growth of the Maya civilization, known for its impressive advancements in architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and writing. The geography of the region also played a crucial role in the Maya’s economic and cultural influence, as trade routes passed through these areas, facilitating exchanges with other Mesoamerican cultures.
