Maya: The Riddle and Rediscovery of a Lost Civilization

by Charles Gallenkamp

The civilization of the Maya in Mexico and Central America presents one of the world's most intriguing archaeological puzzles. The Maya built great cities, temples, and palaces, developed sophisticated systems of religion and government, and possessed extensive knowledge of science and mathematics. Yet at the height of their Classic Period (around A.D. 800), all activity ceased throughout the realm -- cities were abandoned, temples were left unfinished, and a once-powerful ruling elite vanished.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Latin American

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

Reviews

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished: New York: Penguin Books, 1959.

This edition 1987.

This is the first book I've read on the Maya and would recommend this book for a beginner because it's written with clarity and with a good organization. The book opens with the Spanish conquest of the Yucatan peninsula and the second chapter is about John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood clearing the site of Copán in 1840, opening the door for more excavations (Juan Galindo came across the site in 1836 [Copán is in present day Honduras]).

From here the book follows the typical formula for an introductory text on a past culture. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I'm just saying I've read a lot of books like this one

The biggest takeaway for me about the Mayans was their obsession about time. They charted the planets and stars and determined that a year 365.2420 days in a year (the modern calculation is 365.2422 days). What the Maya created is nothing short of miraculous to me.

I'd highly recommend this book if you are interested in learning about the Maya or precolumbian civilizations.

[Silvio Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doesn't have much to add to the other textbooks on the Maya I read since it's out of date and slightly less advanced, but it would have been useful if i didn't have access to them. Written just as the contemporary chain of breakthroughs in Maya decipherment were beginning, so it doesn't draw much on inscriptions. Presents the major monuments and other discoveries at the best-known sites clearly and accessibly. The illustrations, though black and white, and are numerous and very good.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this was a well rounded introduction into Mayan history. It read easily and the topics were fascinating. Some history books are stuffy and boring, but not this one. I recommend it to anyone interested in Mesoamerican history.

[Chris Linehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, if dense. (All of my reviews are auto-biographical, aren’t they? I’ll try to work on that.)

Good history textbook. It makes me crave a lecture, and a lecturer. The grass is always… (I thought you said you were going to work on something, no?)

Among other things, I want to remember two words I underlined, like The Butcher in Gangs of New York. Two good words: glottochronology and lexicostatistics. I’m not sure how I can casually slip them into my vocabulary but I’ll accept the challenge. (You aren’t even going to try, are you?)

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book while browsing at a thrift store, the cover was beautiful and I've always been interested in Mayan history. This was a good primer to Mayan history with 'greatest hits' such as the most interesting archeological discoveries, info about major Mayan sites (such as Copan, Palenque, and Chichen Itza), and sections about Mayan culture, art, religion, economics, etc.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

an enlightening read, even with its old age

[Ella Berger · Rating 3 out of 5]

an enlightening read, even with its old age

[rachelm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unexpectedly readable and engaging history of Mayan civilization, its collapse around 800 AD and subsequent further destruction by the Spanish, and the rediscovery in the 20th century of great Mayan cities, art, astronomical knowledge and language. A solid introduction to the topic that is well researched enough to hold up to further scrutiny (although it made me eager to learn what new advances there have been in the 30 years since the book was last revised.)

[Dermot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable introduction and overview of Mayan history and their wondrous civilization. While at times obviously dated, nonetheless it still held my interest and I couldn't put the book down at times.

[Lisa]

explorers investigate / document their finds at the Maya Site of Copán in Honduras to prove what was initially just their theory that civilization not savagery existed in the Americas

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-written introductory work about the Maya culture, the history of their extermination by Spain and the Roman Church, and the history of their rediscovery by archeologists.

[Anushri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very helpful for my FRP.

[Imbunche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable, though obviously somewhat outdated.