The Maya were a powerful civilization that dominated Central America for over 3,000 years from around 600 BC to the 16th century AD. They developed a complex written language and advanced architecture, and were skilled astronomers, mathematicians, and artists. The Maya civilization extended across present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras and was organized into several independent city-states. Though they did not have a unified government or single language, the Maya left behind an advanced calendar system and impressive cities, temples and pyramids.