Maya Astronomy and Architecture

The development of Maya cities followed certain patterns including a central plaza and surrounding urban buildings. Architecture was comprised of raised platforms, large temples, tall pyramids with small temples atop, palaces, elite residences, small residences and lengthy raised roadways. The most important buildings were always astronomically aligned for a variety of purposes, but mainly for agriculture and timekeeping. The Maya attempted to reproduce the perfect, reliable order they found in the heavens by aligning their architecture and in their daily lives.