The world of the ancient Maya

Summary: Since it was first published in 1981, The World of the Ancient Maya has established itself as an extraordinarily comprehensive, concise, and elegantly written introduction to the rich Maya culture. Henderson explores the entire Maya cultural tradition, from the earliest traces of settlement through the period of the Spanish conquest in the sixteenth century. The ancient Maya were the only fully literate pre-Colombian people in the Americas, and Henderson incorporates deciphered Maya texts in his reconstruction of ancient Maya societies. Superb scientists, the Maya developed highly sophisticated mathematics and an intricate and accurate calendar system. Theirs was one of the few complex societies to emerge in and to adapt successfully to a tropical-forest environment. Their architecture, sculpture, and painting were sophisticated and compellingly beautiful.