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These groups diverged further during the pre-Columbian era to form over 30 languages that have survived into modern times.

The set of traits shared by Mesoamerican cultures also included , and , and a that viewed the world as divided into four divisions aligned with the , each with different attributes, and a three-way division of the world into the celestial realm, the earth, and the underworld.

During the 9th century AD, the central Maya region suffered major political collapse, marked by the abandonment of cities, the ending of dynasties, and a northward shift in activity.

Chase and Chase 2012, p.

The Spanish recorded that Maya leaders kept track of troop movements in painted books.

Limestone was burned at high temperatures in order to manufacture cement, plaster, and stucco.

Their houses were generally constructed from perishable materials, and their remains have left little trace in the archaeological record.

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It is highly likely that, among commoners, shamanism continued in parallel to state religion.

Temples were raised on platforms, most often upon a pyramid.