The Ancient Maya have long been recognized as expert astronomers who closely tracked and documented the movements of celestial bodies. This was not merely for scientific inquiry but reflects a worldview where the night sky was the realm of supernatural beings upon which all life depended. Within the changing patterns of the celestial realm, the ancient Maya saw a narrative of the creation of the cosmos displayed. In this way, the sacred time of creation was ever present, ensuring the perpetuation of the original cosmic design.

Focusing on ancient Maya representations of the celestial realm displayed in works of art, architecture, and ritual performance, this lecture will present Maya depictions and interpretation of the night sky. Furthermore, it will explore how the creation mythology revealed in celestial realm was a touchstone for Maya kings as an expression of sacred authority, and asserted the essential connection between the human world and the supernatural realm.