Summary
From the Foreword:
"The authors of this book have done a masterful job in amassing information about Maya civilization from a wide variety of sources and from some reports that are so recent that they have not yet been published In a field where new information emerges almost daily, and major discoveries still occur several times each year, the authors are impressively current in the information they provide this book is an easy-to-read and most up-to-date account of ancient Maya civilization."—Peter Mathews
Archaeological excavations of their ruined jungle cities and decoding of their hieroglyphs have generated increased interest in the once-mysterious Maya culture. One of the Mesoamerican civilizations that flourished in Mexico and parts of Central America, the Maya are becoming increasingly known for their contributions to science, mathematics, technology, and other aspects of life.
The Handbook to Life in the Ancient Maya World sorts through recent
groundbreaking discoveries to offer an accessible thematic presentation of the latest research on all aspects of Maya civilization, from its earliest beginnings to the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century. Featuring a preface written by Peter Mathews, an influential Maya scholar and leading expert in the deciphering of Maya hieroglyphs, this volume profiles the everyday routines of the Maya with in-depth coverage of society, warfare, religion, architecture, astronomy, economy, writing, and daily life. The highly accessible format makes Handbook to Life in the Ancient Maya World an invaluable reference source for archaeologists, students, historians, and general readers alike.
Specifications
90 black-and-white photographs. 7 maps, graphs, and diagrams. Index. Bibliography. Timeline.
About the Author(s)
Lynn V. Foster is a freelance writer, research scholar, and adjunct faculty member in the Hispanic Studies Department of the University of Massachusetts at Boston. She is the author of several books, including Facts On File's A Brief History of Mexico, and A Brief History of Central America. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts.