What do you think?
Rate this book
The Maya Civilization: An Enthralling Overview of Maya History, Starting From the Olmecs’ Domination of Ancient Mexico to the Arrival of Hernan Cortes and the Spanish Conquest
Are the Mayans still around?What is the importance of Chichen Itza’s discovery?How did this mighty civilization fall? If you want answers to these intriguing questions, then keep reading…The Mayans created an amazing society, full of surprises that keep us guessing how these people came to be and why – exactly – their civilization fell. Theories abound, archeologic discoveries both perplex and inspire us, but one thing their story reads much more like our recent past than you’d ever imagined!This book takes readers on a journey that few have taken, deep into the Mayans' lineage, customs, politics, and daily life. Join us as we delve deep into the Maya story, uncovering stories, facts, and theories about this important – yet perplexing – bitter irony of Catholicism’s spread in Maya cultureWho was the “mother civilization” of Mesoamerica?Did they really practice human sacrifice?A different kind of calendar...What inspired the rise of city-states in this ancient culture?Did the Maya develop the wheel?How – and what did they use – to make paintWere the Maya peaceful?Inventions galore – but what did they invent that we still use today?Why – and how – did the Spanish decide to conquer the Maya?Did a megadrought kill off the Mayans?Heavens, Earth, and Not just for HobbitsHow did the large cities influence Mayan society – and who ruled them?You’ll learn some fun facts – but will also be challenged with archaeologically-puzzling discoveries and learn of one man who escaped death-by-politics. (Exile wasn’t good enough for some Mayan leaders; they meant to exterminate those who opposed them!)Grab your copy of this book, and dive into the many astonishing elements of this ancient civilization!
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2021
88 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 16, 2022
I found the history amazing. I always thought of the Maya as one unified civilization and basically at their height between 100 and 500 AD; wrong. They have a much much more complex history and there was a tremendous amount of different allegiances over time. Also, I loved the rather detailed history of how the Spanish took on the Maya and how long the Maya resisted strongly and sometimes not so strongly. It was fascinating too, to realize the Spanish didn't conquer anyone in central America without the help of disgruntled locals that were willing to fight against other Maya.
I did see some errors in the book. I would love to be a proofreader of these books. For instance, near the end of The Maya Civilization, the book was discussing Bartolome de las Casas. The error I saw was one instance where the incorrect spelling was "les Casas".
There were 4 or 5 minor errors. I still loved the book. I often find errors in books but I highly recommend The Maya Civilization.
I did see some errors in the book. I would love to be a proofreader of these books. For instance, near the end of The Maya Civilization, the book was discussing Bartolome de las Casas. The error I saw was one instance where the incorrect spelling was "les Casas".
There were 4 or 5 minor errors. I still loved the book. I often find errors in books but I highly recommend The Maya Civilization.
April 12, 2023
A little background. My brother is a trained archaeologist who was one of the early excavators of the El Mirador archaeological site in present day Guatemala. I was enthralled by the stories of his time in the jungle and still have a copy of a talk he gave in 1979 upon his return. Fast forward 44 years. My wife and I are on a trip to Belize and visit an ancient Mayan temple. My memories of my brethren’s adventures return, and I text him asking for the best one volume history of the Maya. He recommended 3 books, and this is one of them. Michael J. Stewart gives a comprehensive and informative book that provides readers with a detailed account of the rise and fall of the ancient Maya civilization. Stewart's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy to understand the complex history of the Maya.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is its ability to cover such a broad span of time and still provide a wealth of detail about the culture, politics, and daily life of the Maya people, who by some estimates reached a peak population of 10,000,000. From the Olmecs’ domination of ancient Mexico to the arrival of Hernan Cortes and the Spanish conquest, the book never feels rushed or superficial, taking the time to explore each period and event in depth.
Stewart's attention to detail is especially evident when he delves into the mythology and religious practices of the Maya. He describes their belief in a complex pantheon of gods and the ways in which they interacted with them through ritual sacrifice and other ceremonies. He also explains the importance of the Maya calendar and how it informed their agricultural practices and other aspects of their daily life.
Overall, "The Maya Civilization" is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history of this fascinating culture. Whether you are a casual reader or a student of archaeology or anthropology, this book provides a wealth of information that will deepen your understanding of the Maya and their enduring legacy. I am left to wonder after seeing their impressive and inspiring construction what caused their demise. Because of the weather conditions of Central America, we may never know the answer to the question. No bones of the ancient inhabitants of these impressive cities have been found, most likely due to rapid decomposition in a humid environment. Thus, no analysis of their remains is possible and there disappearance will remain a mystery.
Quote
"The Maya civilization was one of the most remarkable in world history, and it is a testament to their ingenuity and resilience that their legacy continues to inspire us today."
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is its ability to cover such a broad span of time and still provide a wealth of detail about the culture, politics, and daily life of the Maya people, who by some estimates reached a peak population of 10,000,000. From the Olmecs’ domination of ancient Mexico to the arrival of Hernan Cortes and the Spanish conquest, the book never feels rushed or superficial, taking the time to explore each period and event in depth.
Stewart's attention to detail is especially evident when he delves into the mythology and religious practices of the Maya. He describes their belief in a complex pantheon of gods and the ways in which they interacted with them through ritual sacrifice and other ceremonies. He also explains the importance of the Maya calendar and how it informed their agricultural practices and other aspects of their daily life.
Overall, "The Maya Civilization" is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history of this fascinating culture. Whether you are a casual reader or a student of archaeology or anthropology, this book provides a wealth of information that will deepen your understanding of the Maya and their enduring legacy. I am left to wonder after seeing their impressive and inspiring construction what caused their demise. Because of the weather conditions of Central America, we may never know the answer to the question. No bones of the ancient inhabitants of these impressive cities have been found, most likely due to rapid decomposition in a humid environment. Thus, no analysis of their remains is possible and there disappearance will remain a mystery.
Quote
"The Maya civilization was one of the most remarkable in world history, and it is a testament to their ingenuity and resilience that their legacy continues to inspire us today."
October 20, 2021
The Mayan civilization has been a fascination of mine for a while. Their gruesome rise to fame - through human sacrifice and the amazing structures they built. Through the Olmec civilization to the rise of the Mayans, there have been a lot of myths floating around, but there are some concrete evidences that are providing some insight into the Mayan world. Through cracking some of their writings, to understanding the amazing technology that was used to construct their massive temples, there are quite a few areas of the Mayan civilization that are still unfolding.
While they practiced human sacrifice, they were not the only civilization to do so - they just took it to a grand scale - in order to honor their gods.
With the arrival of the Spanish, the Mayan found their thriving civilization hit hard. Through the search and plunder of treasure, to germs that decimated the natives, and the exploitations of those who remained, the one grand civilization was reduced to almost nothing.
Enthralling History unravels the Mayans - laying out this history in a way that is easy and fun to read through. Perfect for those who are just dipping their toes into this area of history!
While they practiced human sacrifice, they were not the only civilization to do so - they just took it to a grand scale - in order to honor their gods.
With the arrival of the Spanish, the Mayan found their thriving civilization hit hard. Through the search and plunder of treasure, to germs that decimated the natives, and the exploitations of those who remained, the one grand civilization was reduced to almost nothing.
Enthralling History unravels the Mayans - laying out this history in a way that is easy and fun to read through. Perfect for those who are just dipping their toes into this area of history!
January 12, 2022
a good synthesis of Mayan history
Like it. First time I see Calakmul brought to,it’s proper place.
There are some things missing though. No explanation of why the Olmecs heads have black features and how they went from there to the Mayan asiatic features.
Tulúm is not presented into the picture.
It does not mention that Cortes stole his ships and crew and auto appointed himself as representative of the Spanish crown.
Like it. First time I see Calakmul brought to,it’s proper place.
There are some things missing though. No explanation of why the Olmecs heads have black features and how they went from there to the Mayan asiatic features.
Tulúm is not presented into the picture.
It does not mention that Cortes stole his ships and crew and auto appointed himself as representative of the Spanish crown.
November 7, 2021
Maya Civilization
Great book, very interesting, nothing I do not like about it, learned stuff I did not know. I recommend it
Great book, very interesting, nothing I do not like about it, learned stuff I did not know. I recommend it
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews