The Fall of the Ancient Maya: Solving the Mystery of the Maya Collapse
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.68 (875 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0500051135 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 368 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2015-04-23 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Boone, San Jose P.L., CA Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal The mystique of the ancient Maya dates from the early 19th century, when explorers in Central America rediscovered temple and palace complexes, astronomical observatories, and monuments with hieroglyphic inscriptions. The image of a lost civilization absorbed by jungle has fueled the popular imagination, leading to much speculation about how and why the classic Maya culture collapsed. Lucille M. Webster also reviews evidence from archaeology, paleography, and historical writings and discusses theories of the collapse, concluding that it was not sudden but gradual and that its causes vary with location and may be attributed to overpopulation, environmental degradation, warfare, and the decline of kingship ideol
. Webster is with Penn State University
Ancient Maya civilization thrived in the tropics of Central America for more than a thousand years and produced some of the world's finest architecture and art. Then it mysteriously vanished, leaving a landscape of ruins smothered by forests. The Classic Maya collapse is one of the great puzzles of history, ranking alongside the Fall of Rome as an enigma that has intrigued scholars for generations.
A not so mysterious mystery A Customer Mr. Webster does not make it easy for those who want to read about flying saucers sweeping down and doing/undoing the Maya. His tale is a little bit more down to earth as he undertakes to make sure that the reader understands first a few parameters on how cultures grow and meet their demise. Eventual. Tom Andres said The Maya Fall and Our Own?. Like many a good scientist, David Webster demythologizes with facts knowing that detailed scientific fact is often more fascinating than myth.Webster tells of the 'Maya myth' growing out of the first discoveries of the mysterious vine-covered ruins, with their "vacant ceremonial centers," ruins that . The Ancient Mayans Fall: were they pushed? Charles I. Stubbart Most hard-line academics cannot write for a geneal audience. Their style is so narrowly focused, their scientific sensitivities are so acute, and their language is so stiff that they can't communicate to a general audience. Even when they succeed, they often fall prey to jealous and carping colleague