Hey there amigos! Today’s blog is about Mesoamerican scripts and the hidden wonders of Mayan, Aztec, and other ancient languages. Let’s dive in! 🕵️‍♀️

What are Mesoamerican scripts?

Mesoamerican scripts are a group of scripts used by different cultures in pre-Columbian America. These scripts were not only used for writing but also for keeping track of dates and making calculations. The most famous Mesoamerican scripts are the Mayan script, the Aztec script, the Mixtec script, and the Zapotec script.

Image of different Mesoamerican glyphs.

The Mayan Script

The Mayan script is one of the most complex writing systems ever invented. It is composed of over 800 glyphs, each representing a different word or concept. The Mayan script was used by the Mayans from 300 BC to the 16th century AD, and it is still used by some Maya communities today.

One of the most interesting things about the Mayan script is that it is phonetic. This means that each glyph represents a sound, rather than a letter. Another fascinating aspect is that the Mayan script is read from left to right and top to bottom, which is opposite to the way we read in English.

Image of a Mayan stela with glyphs.

The Aztec Script

The Aztecs were famous for their military and architectural achievements, but they also had their own writing system. The Aztec script was used to record important events, such as wars and rituals.

The Aztec script is composed of pictograms and ideograms. Each pictogram represents a specific object, while each ideogram represents a more abstract concept. For example, the pictogram for an eagle represents the animal, while the ideogram for an eagle represents power or strength.

Image of an Aztec codex page with glyphs.

The Mixtec and Zapotec Scripts

The Mixtec and Zapotec scripts are two lesser-known Mesoamerican scripts. The Mixtec script was used by the Mixtecs in southern Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century AD. The Zapotec script was used by the Zapotecs in the Oaxaca region of Mexico from the 5th to the 7th century AD.

The Mixtec script is composed of both pictograms and glyphs. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful scripts in Mesoamerica due to its intricate design. The Zapotec script, on the other hand, is composed of only pictograms, which makes it easier to read and understand.

Image of a Mixtec codex page with glyphs.

Conclusion

Mesoamerican scripts are an essential part of American history and culture. They represent the artistic and technological achievements of the ancient people who lived in pre-Columbian America. The Mayan, Aztec, Mixtec, and Zapotec scripts are just a few examples of the rich cultural heritage that still exists today.

I hope this blog has piqued your interest in Mesoamerican scripts and sparked your curiosity to learn more about them. Until next time, adiós amigos! 👋

Image of a Mesoamerican calendar.