The World of the Ancient Maya

By John S. Henderson

Book Overview

In this second edition, author John S. Henderson has revised his introduction to Maya culture and added photographs and drawings. He explores the Mayan cultural tradition from the earliest traces of settlement throogh the period of Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The ancient Mayas are understood to have been the only fully-literate precolumbian people in the Americas and the author incorporates deciphered Maya texts in his reconstruction of ancient Maya societies. As scientists, the Mayas developed a sophisticated mathematics, and an intricate calendar system. Theirs was one of the few complex societies to emerge in and adapt successfully to a tropical forest environment. Their architecture, sculpture and painting are all investigated in this volume.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801431832
• ISBN13: 9780801431838
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Length: 329 Pages
• Weight: 2.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.8" x 9.9"
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

A great read for a student

I bought this to prepare for an excavation in Belize Valley as was required by the field school. I didn't know what to expect from it but after reading this textbook, I found it to be an excellent read for any aspiring archaeologist or for anyone who really wants to learn about the ancient Mayans in more of an in-depth level. Like the previous post said, it's not for people who are just merely curious but for someone who wants to really study the subject. There are A LOT of technical terms so that may tend to bore people. But I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to understand more about the Mayans and their history!