Solution of the Mayan Calendar Enigma

Thomas Chanier (1)

1 UBO - Université de Brest

Based on a purely arithmetical model of naked-eye astronomy, a calendar super-number N is calculated as the least common multiple of 9 astronomical parameters: the solar year, the three lunar months (the pentalunex and the two lunar semesters) and the synodic periods of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The astronomical origin of the Mayan Calendar cycles, the 260-day Tzolk'in, the 365-day Haab', the 3276-day Kawil and the 1872000-day Long Count Calendar is determined from arithmetical calculations on N. The results are expressed as a function of the Xultun numbers, four enigmatic Long Count numbers deciphered in the Maya ruins of Xultun, dating from the IX century CE. (Saturno 2012) The position of the Calendar Round at the mythical date of creation 13(0).0.0.0.0 4 Ahau 8 Cumku is calculated. I describe the model used by the Maya in the Classic period (200 to 900 CE) to calculate the Moon ratio. The Copan Moon ratio and the Palenque formula are high-precision solutions of the model. This provides evidence of the high proficiency of Mayan naked-eye astronomy and mathematics.

Mots clés: Tzolk'in; Haab'; Mayan Culture; Mayan Calendar; Long Count Calendar; Calendar Round; Kawil

Domaines: Histoire et perspectives sur les mathématiques [math.HO]; Histoire de la Physique [physics.hist-ph]

Thomas Chanier. Solution of the Mayan Calendar Enigma. 2016. ⟨hal-01254966v3⟩