Solution of the Mayan Calendar Enigma

Thomas Chanier (1)

1 UBO - Université de Brest

The Mayan arithmetical model of astronomy is described. The astronomical origin of the Mayan Calendar (the 260-day Tzolk'in, the 365-day Haab', the 3276-day Kawil-direction-color cycle and the 1872000-day Long Count Calendar) is demonstrated and the position of the Calendar Round at the mythical date of creation 13(0).0.0.0.0 4 Ahau 8 Cumku is calculated. 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 et al., Science 336, 714 (2012)] Evidence shows that this model was used in the Maya Classic period (200 to 900 CE) to determine the Palenque lunar equation. This provides evidence of the high proficiency of Mayan naked-eye astronomy and mathematics.

Mots clés: Haab'; Tzolk'in; Mayan Culture; Calendar Round; Mayan Calendar; Long Count Calendar; 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-01254966v6⟩