[Publius6961]

Advanced mathematics, as well as sophisticated art, agriculture, astronomy, architecture do though.

Advanced mathematics?
?????????????

I don't mean to rain on your parade, but can you point me to any reputable documentation for this? True, their calendar can be today most easily checked by using advanced mathematics, but there in no indication to suggest that given a long enough period of time, all their observations and predictions were the result of anything other than "lower" mathematics. Finding a treatise on imaginary numbers or second derivatives in Mayan or Inca might persuade me otherwise.

[unlearner]

"Advanced mathematics?"

I would say that the independent discovery of zero qualifies.

A great deal of scientific achievement hinges on this discovery.

And civilizations do not make these discoveries while they're busy eating each other.

I think you are being a little obsessive here and missing my main point.

If you want to believe that the Mayans were never very advanced, fine. It really does not impact my point anyway.

Let's just move on. OK?

Thanks for the discussion though.