This examination of daily life in ancient Maya civilization presents the very latest discoveries and interpretations and corrects popular misconceptions. Based on the results of recent research from a variety of disciplines, it traces Maya civilization from its earliest beginnings to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century and shows how the Maya successfully adapted to their environment and preserved their traditional culture and lauguages from oppression over thousands of years. Archaeologist Sharer, one of the foremost experts on the Maya, offers unique insights into Maya civilization based on 30 years of living and working in Central America. Over 60 illustrations and photographs of Maya life, artifacts, and archaeological sites bring the social, political, economic, religious, and cultural aspects of Maya civilization to life.
For ease of use by students, the work is organized into chapters covering all aspects of Maya life and civilization: the foundations of Maya life and civilization: early, middle, and late Maya civilization; economy (production and trade); social and political systems; life cycle events; religion; writing and calendars; and the variety of arts and crafts. The work closes with discussion of the meaning of Maya civilization for us today — how the achievements and failures of the Maya past can be of benefit to the modern world. The work includes a historical timeline of Maya civilization and a bibliography for further reading. This work will replace all earlier resources on the Maya and will provide school and public librarians and students with the most up-to-date and historically accurate information on the Maya.