The Mayan pyramids were primarily built within the ancient Maya civilization, which flourished in what is now Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Pyramids served as significant architectural and ceremonial structures and often housed temples at their summits. Notable pyramids include El Castillo at Chichen Itza and the Pyramid of the Inscriptions at Palenque. The construction and use of pyramids reflected the Mayans' advanced knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, as well as their religious beliefs. These structures played a central role in Mayan society, serving as sites for rituals, ceremonies, and burials for elite individuals.