Ancient Maya
Subtitle: the rise and fall of a rainforest civilization
By: Arthur Demarest.
Series: Case studies in early societies ;; 3
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Cambridge; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 373
Subjects: Mayas -- Antiquities; Mayas -- History; Mayas -- Social life and customs; Mexico -- Antiquities; Central America -- Antiquities
Description: In this archaeological study, Arthur Demarest brings the lost pre-Columbian civilization of the Maya to life. In applying a holistic perspective to the most recent evidence from archaeology, paleoecology, and epigraphy, this theoretical interpretation emphasizes both the brilliant rain forest adaptations of the ancient Maya and the Native American spirituality that permeated all aspects of their daily life.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 303-363) and index.
Table of contents: title: The mystery and the challenge of the ancient Maya; title: Background : geography, chronology, and theoretical perspective; title: The exploration and archaeology of the Maya : a brief history; title: Obscure beginnings and the Preclassic florescence; title: The splendor of the classic Maya florescence in the lowlands; title: Settlement and subsistence : the rain forest adaptation; title: Classic Maya economics; title: Religion and ideology : beliefs and rituals of the theater-states; title: Classic Maya politics and history : the dynamics of the theater-states; title: The end of classic Maya civilization : collapse, transition, and transformation; title: The legacy of the classic Maya civilization : postclassic, colonial, and modern traditions; title: The lessons of classic Maya history and prehistory.