In the early 20th century , the term Old Empire was sometimes given to this era of Maya civilization in an analogy to Ancient Egypt ; the term is now considered inaccurate and has long been out of use by serious writers on the subject . In the early 20th century , the term `` Old Empire '' was sometimes given to this era of Maya civilization in an analogy to Ancient Egypt ; the term is now considered inaccurate and has long been out of use by serious writers on the subject .