The Maya developed a writing system with hieroglyphs, a combination of whole-word symbols and syllables. Their script contains approximately 800 signs or glyphs. In order to decipher and understand the meanings of the hieroglyphs, the signs need to be matched to the language encoded in the script. The “voice” of Maya hieroglyphs is rooted in three spoken Mayan languages: Yucatec, Ch’olan, and Ch’orti’. Since the 1950s, scholars from all over the world have been able to decipher and read a large portion of the Maya hieroglyphs. These hieroglyphs are found carved in stone at archaeological sites, painted on ceramic vases, and painted on paper in accordion-shaped books called codices. Use this interactive tool to “read” the glyphs from stone carvings related to the Maya calendar.
