The Maya developed a sophisticated system of writing. It used around 700 picture symbols called glyphs. Each glyph represented a different syllable or sound, while bars and dots represented numbers. Having a way to write numbers was especially useful, as maths and astrology were important to the Maya. Glyphs were written down columns in pairs, from left to right and top to bottom. They were carved, painted or moulded onto all sorts of materials, from huge slabs of sculpted stone (stelae) to ceramic cups and plates. They were also carved in wood, or moulded out of a cement-like substance called stucco. In addition, the Maya wrote books called codices (singular: codex). Most of the writing was done by priests who had trained as scribes. They recorded information such as names, births, deaths, marriages, coronations, wars, religious rituals, star charts and calendars. Fine brushes were used to paint glyphs onto the soft, inner bark from trees such as the fig tree. The bark was so soft that it could be folded like a fan. Before it could be written on, it was covered with a chalk-like paste called gesso. Only three codices survived the Spanish invasion. Twitter: @InspireEd_UK Website: https://www.inspire.education/