The Polytheistic Mayans of Mexico

Prior to religion in Mexico being centred around one, male God, the Mayan religion featured female deities such as Ix Chel – The Mayan Moon Goddess. In fact, the Mayans worshipped over 150 to 250 deities.

Mayan gods were gods of nature, including gods of the sun, and the Maize god (their most important crop). Mayan life included religious festivals and rituals to honour their gods. Such festivals were led by priests who played a significant part, and decision-making role, in Mayan society.

But when was the Mayan religion replaced by a Christian following? When did this shift from polytheistic Gods and Goddesses to one male monotheistic God actually happen?

This 7 minute clip shows the change of religious distribution in Mexico over the last 2022 years, providing a brilliant visual insight into the chronology of these changes, and the other religions which also featured in the history of Mexican society.

If you’re feeling impatient, skip to the 1500s to see Christianity spring into action!