Secrets of the Maya / from the editors of Archaeology magazine ; with a preface by Peter A. Young.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Gotham Book Mart Collection (University of Pennsylvania)

Archaeology, Inc.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mayas--Antiquities.

Mayas.

Mexico--Antiquities.

Mexico.

Antiquities.

Central America--Antiquities.

Central America.

Penn Provenance:

Gotham Book Mart (former owner) (Gotham Book Mart Collection copy)

Physical Description:

203 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), maps ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Hatherleigh Press, [2003]

Summary:

From the discovery of ancient caves used for religious rituals - including human sacrifice - to the search for the legendary "Site Q," Secrets of the Maya takes readers on an exciting and surprising archaeological journey. The Maya were long thought to be devout, peace-loving peasants guided by gentle priest-kings, but recent finds have exposed a complex, sophisticated urban society ruled by egomaniacal kings who waged war incessantly and turned powerful kingdoms into vast empires. Human sacrifice was common, yet the Maya built beautiful temples and monuments, developed elaborate trading relationships, discovered new agricultural techniques, made brilliant astronomical observations, and created the only system of writing native to the Americas. Deep in the rain forests of Central America, the Maya culture thrived for almost 4,000 years. From the earliest Maya farmers in 2600 B.C. through the fifteenth century A.D., the Maya developed an elaborate society. Although many of the intricacies of Maya culture remain shrouded in mystery, hundreds of new discoveries have come to light in recent years. Now, the most fascinating discoveries have been compiled by the editors of Archaeology in this compelling book. Today, Maya ruins attract throngs of tourists. Roads are being opened to previously inaccessible sites. Governments are enacting and enforcing laws to stop looting and protect valuable artifacts. New discoveries are being made almost every day. With each new revelation, people around the world are enthralled by the majesty, spirituality and art of this ancient civilization.. Featuring a special section on Mayan hieroglyphs, a comprehensive timeline, articles on the latest research and beautiful photographs, Secrets of the Maya will appeal to experts and amateurs alike.

Contents:

Introduction : the new Maya / T. Patrick Culbert

Scribes, warriors & kings / William L. Fash, Barbara W. Fash

Uncovering a royal tomb in Copán / Angela M.H. Schuster

Maya superstates / Simon Martin, Nikolai Grube

Maya palace uncovered / Angela M.H. Schuster

Life & death in a Maya war zone / Charles Suhler, David Freidel

A mighty Maya nation / Arlen F. Chase, Diane Z. Chase

Tropical time capsule / Payson D. Sheets

The art of gardening / James Wiseman

Music of the Maya / Paul F. Healy

Imaging Maya art / Mary Miller.

The search for site Q / Angela M.H. Schuster

Misson to La Corona / Ian Graham

Written in the stars / Angela M.H. Schuster

Living constellations / Dennis and Barbara Tedlock

Rituals of the modern Maya / Angela M.H. Schuster

Seeing through Mayan eyes / Andrew L. Slayman

Cruising the Maya coast / Spencer P.M. Harrington

The great chronicler of Mayan art / Tom Gidwitz

The maverick Mayanist / John Dorfman, Andrew L. Slayman

Glyph decoder / Gillett Griffin

Honoring Linda Schele / Angela M.H. Schuster.

A triumph of spirit / Michael D. Coe

From parlours to pyramids / Mary McVicker.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 191-193) and index.

Local Notes:

Gotham Book Mart Collection copy has dustjacket retained.

ISBN:

1578261236

9781578261239

OCLC:

50322749