Which civilization is credited with developing one of the earliest calendars in the Americas?

The civilization credited with developing one of the earliest calendars in the Americas is the Maya. The Maya created a complex calendar system that included the Tzolk'in, a 260-day ceremonial calendar, and the Haab', a 365-day solar calendar. This system was not only used for agricultural purposes but also played a significant role in their religious and social life, demonstrating their advanced understanding of astronomy and timekeeping. The intricacies of the Maya calendar, including its cycles and rituals, reflect their deep connection to the natural world and their sophisticated mathematical skills.

While other civilizations like the Inca, Olmec, and Aztec also had methods of tracking time, the Maya are particularly noted for their advanced calendar system and are recognized for having one of the most precise calendar systems in the ancient world. The Inca and Aztec had different approaches, often relying more on seasonal changes and less on a structured calendar format. The Olmec, considered one of the earliest civilizations in Mesoamerica, also laid foundations for future cultures but did not develop a calendar that rivaled the complexity of the Maya's.