Which civilization is known for a complex calendar and glyph-based writing?

• A. Indus Valley
• B. Egypt
• C. Maya
• D. Mesopotamia

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how a civilization combines a sophisticated way of tracking time with a true writing system made of glyphs. The Maya are known for both a complex calendar and glyph-based writing. They built multiple calendar cycles—the Long Count for long spans of time, the ritual 260-day cycle, and the 365-day solar year—to record dates and astronomical events across centuries. At the same time, they developed a true writing system where glyphs could represent sounds and words, allowing them to inscribe dynastic records, myths, and observations on monuments, codices, and pottery. While other civilizations had calendars or some form of writing, the distinctive combination of a highly developed calendar system with a glyph-based script is characteristic of the Maya.