JOURNAL ARTICLE

Maya astronomy and the precession of the equinoxes.

  • Published In: Journal for the History of Astronomy, 2025, v. 56, n. 2. P. 125 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Aveni, Anthony; Justeson, John; Bricker, Victoria 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the hypothesis that the ancient Maya recognized and recorded the roughly 25,770-year precession of the equinoxes in their hieroglyphic inscriptions and calendrical systems. It concludes that neither archaeological evidence—such as architectural alignments—nor the analysis of long numerical intervals in Maya codices reliably supports the claim that the Maya calculated or tracked precession as a long-term cycle. Instead, the Maya appear to have focused on shorter-term calendrical intervals and solstice-based observations relevant to their tropical environment, rather than equinox-based precessional shifts. Statistical analysis shows that large numbers cited as multiples of the sidereal year are often mathematically implausible or coincidental, and simpler models involving shorter cycles better explain Maya astronomical practices.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal for the History of Astronomy. 2025/05, Vol. 56, Issue 2, p125
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0021-8286
  • DOI:10.1177/00218286241307930
  • Accession Number:185137005
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