What was one of the cultural contributions of the Maya civilization?

The creation of a complex calendar system was one of the significant cultural contributions of the Maya civilization. The Maya developed a sophisticated understanding of time, which was reflected in their intricate calendar systems, including the Tzolk'in, a 260-day ritual calendar, and the Haab', a 365-day solar calendar. They also created the Long Count calendar, which was used to track longer periods of time and historical events.

This calendrical system allowed the Maya to make precise astronomical observations, predict celestial events, and organize their agricultural and religious activities around these cycles. The importance of time in Maya culture was not only practical but also deeply embedded in their cosmology, influencing their mythology and religious practices. Thus, the Maya contributed significantly to the understanding of time and its application in various aspects of life, establishing a legacy that is still acknowledged today in the study of ancient cultures.