The development of the Maya culture began about 5,000 years ago, when is calculated that the first language, known as Proto-Mayan was conformed. From that time a timeline was established that allows locating archaeological sites in time units, so in this way interpret social and political processes that occurred until the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century. In this way three major periods have been defined: Pre-classic, Classic, and Post-classic, each with subdivisions. The colonial period should also be considered as part of this development that has led to the present day.

The Archaic or Pre-Ceramic, is a long period spanning between the 7^th and 2^nd centuries BC, which can be defined as the time in which the Maya group formed itself. The populations are quite simple, with semi-nomadic characteristics, which took advantage of wild resources through the collection of plants and animals hunting. It took several centuries for these societies to discover agriculture and used it as a principal means of livelihood. Therefore, it is estimated that the corn, bean and squash began to grow around 3,500 BC. The tools are predominantly stone and perishable materials such as baskets and jugs or gourds.