Over 3000 years ago the Maya emerged from the mists of history and created a  civilization which lasted six times as long as the Roman Empire. Between 750 and 900 A.D. these people abandoned their cities, apparently without reason.  The disappearance of the Maya is as mysterious as their rapid rise from nowhere.  Yet the veil surrounding these people is gradually being lifted. A small group of scientists is currently decoding, character by character, the missives of  this jungle people. The research scientists are constantly discovering ever more amazing and fascinating facts about a culture which we normally only associate with inhospitable temple pyramids and cruel blood sacrifices.