Ancient Mayans calculated pi for astronomy

The ancient Maya civilization, thriving in Mesoamerica, achieved a remarkable feat by approximating pi to four decimal places: 3.1416. This precision, documented in the Dresden Codex, was crucial for their advanced astronomical calculations, including predicting eclipses and planetary movements. Their sophisticated vigesimal (base-20) number system aided these complex computations. This approximation surpassed many contemporary civilizations, highlighting the Maya's profound mathematical contributions. Their mastery of pi underscores how deeply mathematics and astronomy were intertwined in their daily life and worldview.