Maya: A Very Short Introduction

The Maya created one of the greatest societies in ancient America and all of human history, achieving remarkable feats in the visual arts, writing system, and mathematics without centralized control. This Very Short Introduction explores Maya identity, city-state political culture, art and architecture, the cosmos, and contact with outsiders, providing a unique treatment of all periods of Maya civilization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Maya, one of the most remarkable societies in the history of the ancient Americas and indeed, in the annals of human civilization, left an indelible mark on the world. Long before encountering Europeans, the Maya communities had already established awe-inspiring cities, accommodating vast and prosperous populations. Their mastery of the visual arts reached unprecedented heights, and they developed a sophisticated writing system that documented an extraordinary wealth of knowledge in fields such as calendrics, mathematics, and astronomy. Remarkably, the Maya achieved all this without the existence of a centralized, unified government. There was no single, cohesive Maya state or empire, but rather a multitude of evolving ethnic groups, each speaking dozens of distinct Mayan languages. It is important to note that the Maya themselves did not refer to themselves as Maya; however, a distinct and captivating culture that we recognize as Maya culture has existed for countless millennia. The question of their self-identity and the origins of Maya civilization remain intriguing and crucial to explore.

In the context of the Maya's historical fragmentation and misunderstanding, the pursuit of understanding what truly defined them becomes paramount. In this concise yet comprehensive Very Short Introduction, Restall and Solari delve into the themes of Maya identity, city-state political culture, art and architecture, the Maya concept of the cosmos, and their encounters with outsiders, including invasions. Despite its brevity, this book stands out for its comprehensive coverage of all periods of Maya civilization, from its origins to the present.

The Maya's remarkable achievements in various domains were facilitated by their decentralized governance structure. Instead of a centralized authority, power was distributed among local communities, each with its own distinct cultural practices and traditions. This decentralized system allowed for the flourishing of local arts, sciences, and technologies, as well as the development of unique cultural identities.

One of the most striking features of Maya civilization was their exceptional architectural prowess. The Maya built massive cities, adorned with intricate stone structures, towering pyramids, and elaborate temples. These architectural marvels showcased their advanced engineering skills and their deep reverence for the natural world. The cities were carefully planned, with intricate networks of roads and canals facilitating trade and communication within the Maya society.

The Maya also made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy. They developed a sophisticated calendar system that accurately tracked celestial events and guided their agricultural practices. Their mathematical knowledge was applied to various fields, including engineering and construction, and they made important discoveries in fields such as geometry and trigonometry.

In addition to their intellectual achievements, the Maya were known for their artistic prowess. They created intricate paintings, sculptures, and ceramics that depicted their religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and everyday life. Their art was characterized by a rich symbolism and a deep understanding of the human condition.

The Maya's writing system, known as hieroglyphics, was another remarkable aspect of their civilization. Hieroglyphics were used to record their history, mythology, and religious beliefs, and they provided a means of preserving their knowledge for future generations. The Maya's writing system was highly complex and required a deep understanding of mathematics and astronomy.

Despite their many accomplishments, the Maya faced challenges and disruptions throughout their history. They were often subjected to invasions and internecine conflicts, which led to the decline and fragmentation of some Maya communities. However, other communities managed to survive and continue to practice their traditions and customs.

In conclusion, the Maya civilization was one of the most remarkable in human history. Their achievements in art, architecture, mathematics, and astronomy were unparalleled, and their decentralized governance structure allowed for the flourishing of local cultures and traditions. The Maya's self-identity and the origins of their civilization remain intriguing topics of study, and the pursuit of understanding their culture and history is crucial for appreciating the rich tapestry of human civilization.

Weight: 118g
Dimension: 112 x 173 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190645021