May 2007
The Maya
The concept of zero, a 365-day calendar, and the first writing system in the Americas were all developed by the Maya. This indigenous group flourished in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America, before suffering massive decline upon the arrival of the Spanish in the 17th century. Aside from scientific discoveries, Mayan society also fostered artistic creation. The jade masks, precious jewelry, and massive stone reliefs that they created remain as breathtaking traces of a largely snuffed civilization. The Lokschuppen Museum in Rosenheim is displaying 200 such items in an exhibition called “Maya: Kings of the Rainforest.” Many of the pieces are being shown in Europe for the first time, including an intricate jade mask that has never before left Mexico, and a completely outfitted royal tomb. The pieces will be at the Lokschuppen until October 3, from Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, and weekends, 10 am to 6 pm. Entry costs € 8. Rosenheim is less than an hour by train from Munich, and covered by the BayernTicket.
