Why is it difficult for modern experts to translate some parts of the Mayan language? The language is no longer spoken and is no
t used for writing. The Maya often destroyed cities when they were battling for new territory. The Spanish destroyed many of the artifacts with the keys to the Mayan language. The reliefs the Maya used to document their language have been damaged by wind and rain.
The Maya considered writing to be a sacred gift from the gods. Most ancient Maya could not read, because the knowledge of reading and writing was jealously guarded by a small elite class, who believed that they alone could interact directly with the gods and mediate between the gods and the common people.
