Teaching resource on the ancient Maya god Itzamna
Itzamná is a creator god. His name means lizard or large fish. He is the lord of Heaven and Earth, including creation and birth. He is depicted as an old man with a large nose and a headdress with the sign Akbal on it. Akbal means night and darkness. He was the husband of Ix Chel, and together they were the parents of all gods. He represents the opposites that are present in the world, light and dark, man and woman etc. He was believed to have given the Mayans their calendar and writing system.