What was a primary focus of Mayan priests in their scientific endeavors?

The primary focus of Mayan priests in their scientific endeavors was charting the movement of celestial bodies. This was an essential aspect of Mayan culture and religion, as they believed that the movements of the stars and planets had significant implications for agricultural cycles, religious ceremonies, and political events.

Mayan priests, who were also skilled astronomers, meticulously observed the skies and recorded their findings in codices. This astronomical knowledge allowed them to create complex calendars, which included the Tzolk’in (a 260-day ritual calendar) and the Haab’ (a 365-day solar calendar). These calendars were crucial for determining appropriate times for planting and harvesting crops, as well as scheduling important religious festivals.

The dedication to astronomy and the ability to accurately predict celestial events demonstrated the advanced understanding the Mayans had of their environment and their commitment to their religious beliefs, which intertwined with their scientific pursuits. This focus on celestial movements is a hallmark of Mayan civilization and illustrates the integral role that astronomy played in their overall societal structure.