Maya civilization
what is the Maya civilization known for ?
Two thousand years ago, the ancient Maya developed one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas. They developed a written language of hieroglyphs and invented the mathematical concept of zero. With their expertise in astronomy and mathematics, the Maya developed a complex and accurate calendar system.
Who is chief Hatuey ?
Hatuey is considered "Cuba's first national hero" and one of the earliest fighters against Spanish colonialism.
What happened to the Maya people
From around 1517 1697 Spanish invaders (conquistadores) started to destroy the Maya cities and people. The Spanish were armed with artillery, steel swords and muskets (guns) the Maya had only spears, bows and arrows. The invaders brought diseases which were new to the Maya.
As the first prominent freedom fighter of the Americas, Hatuey not only united Africans and Indigenous people against the invaders, but in bringing his people and fighters from Hispaniola to Cuba, he initiated the first pan-American resistance struggle. Today a statue in Cuba celebrates Hatuey as a national hero.
what happened to Chief Hatuey ?
He and his fighters were able to kill at least eight Spanish soldiers. Eventually, using mastiffs and torturing the native people for information, the Spaniards succeeded in capturing him. On 2 February 1512, he was tied to a stake and burned alive at Yara, near the present-day city of Bayamo.