The Postclassic Epoch also called the last period of pre-Hispanic history, was suspended by the invasion of the Spanish in Mesoamerican territory and the subsequent conquest and colonization of Mexico. While millions of Mayans died or at least disappeared during the collapse years of the Classic era, the Mayan civilization did not completely disappear.
The large cities of the southern lowlands were abandoned and the remaining Maya brought their civilization to northern Yucatán, where they settled. Little by little, they built new cities. Other Mayan cities already settled expanded. Mayan life and society continued with a shift in emphasis from the deep religiosity of the Classic period to a more secular society focused on economic growth and prosperity. This culture continued until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.
The major cities of the Postclassic era include Chichen-Itza, Uxmal, and Mayapán. Other Mayan cities in northern Belize such as Santa Rita, Colba, and Lamanai also flourished, as did some Mayan groups in the Petén region of Guatemala at Tayasal and Zacpeten.
The Yucatan Maya, however, had some difficult challenges to overcome, such as moving from a rainforest environment to the much drier Yucatan climate. The Yucatán Maya managed to change their dependence on surface water reservoirs, for the use of groundwater resources such as underground basins and sinkholes known as cenotes. The Cenote Sagrada continues to be a sacred well within the Chichén-Itzá grounds. Arid on the surface, the Yucatán keeps its water underground, allowing the Mayans to flourish.
While the Maya of the postclassic period generally moved away from the religious domination of the priesthood and the divine rule of the kings, they became more attentive to the rain gods, due to the aridity of the Yucatan. The carvings of “Chac”, the Mayan rain god, cover the buildings of the cities of the post-classical period, especially Uxmal.
The Mayans came under the influence of the Toltecs, a people who moved to the area from Mexico after the fall of Teotihuacan. The sculptures and architectural style reflect this influence, as do the Mayans who sacrifice the Toltec rain god, Tlaloc along with Chac. Scholars have yet to discover the exact political and social relationship of the Maya and the Toltecs, but both cultures influenced the other.
Chichén-Itzá dominated Yucatán during the early postclassic years from 900 BC to 1250. After the decline of Chichén-Itzá, its rival city, Mayapán, became dominant. The Mayans could have taken their name from this great post-classical city. The maritime trade around Yucatán grew during the last years of the Postclassic, from 1250 until the arrival of the Spanish.
