What significant starting point is used for the Long Count calendar in Maya culture?

The Long Count calendar in Maya culture is based on a significant starting point of August 13, 3114 BC. This date is believed to mark the mythical creation of the world according to the Maya civilization's belief system. The Long Count calendar was used by the Maya to keep track of longer periods of time and was essential for historical record-keeping, rituals, and understanding astronomical cycles.

The system itself is a non-repeating calendar that helps to identify dates over a period of roughly 5,125.36 years. By understanding this starting point, one can effectively interpret various dates in the context of Maya history and mythology. It reflects not only a way of measuring time but also the intricate worldview of the Maya, integrating religious and astronomical significance into their calendrical systems.