When?

The ancient Maya occupied a vast geographic area in Central and South America from around 2000 BC until 1500 AD. The Mayan culture extended to parts of what are now Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador, and most of Guatemala and Belize. During the Classical Period which lasted from the third to the ninth century, Maya civilization built awe-inspiring temples, pyramids and cities and formed a complex social and political order. Toward the end of the Classic Period, the structure of Mayan society began to undergo a change. Settlements in the southern lowlands began to dwindle and were eventually abandoned. Architecture began to appear that featured plain facades, rather than carrying the ornate inscriptions of centuries past. In fact, building in general took on more of a utilitarian emphasis, with few if any grand structures appearing in the 8th or 9th centuries.The peak period of Maya civilization was in the Classic period, which began in A.D. 250. The Maya lasted for about another 700 years before suddenly disappearing as a major force; however, the Maya did not die out then and haven't to this day.
 * When did this society begin?when did it end? **
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