Memoranda on the Maya Calendars Used in the Books of Chilan Balam

Delving into the intricate world of Maya timekeeping, this work unpacks the calendrical notes recorded in the Books of Chilan Balam. By presenting translated passages that mark specific days, months, and years, it shows how the Maya marked events such as the death of a notable figure in 1536, using a blend of native and Spanish terminology. The author situates these excerpts within the broader scholarly conversation of the early 1900s, highlighting the challenges of interpreting ancient reckonings.

The narrative then turns to the structure of the katun—a period whose length sparked lively debate among researchers. Comparing the Chilan Balam’s naming scheme with that of stone inscriptions and the Dresden Codex, the text explains two competing models: one based on 20 × 360‑day cycles and another on 24 × 365‑day cycles. Through clear examples, it reveals how the Maya’s “year” and “month” counts interlocked, producing a 52‑year cycle that only repeats after 18,980 days.

Beyond the technical details, the book offers a window into how early scholars attempted to reconcile Maya chronologies with European concepts of time. Listeners will gain a nuanced appreciation of the precision and complexity behind the Maya’s calendar, and see why these ancient calculations continue to intrigue researchers today.