The Fall of the Ancient Maya
Solving the Mystery of the Maya Collapse
David Webster
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| ‘A gripping search for the centre of the puzzle’ | | – RA Magazine |
| ‘Will do much to balance an imbalance in Maya studies ... the best book-length assessment of this civilization now available’ | | – Cambridge Archaeological Journal |
The most satisfying and convincing analysis yet produced of the downfall of the New World’s greatest ancient civilization.
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: one of the great enigmas of history that has intrigued scholars for generations.
Drawing upon recent archaeology and hieroglyphic decipherments, David Webster evaluates the theories and dispels the myths surrounding this contentious topic. Contrary to popular belief, not all Maya centres were abandoned, yet the Maya of the southern Lowlands did suffer a calamitous decline – monuments were no longer carved, royal buildings ceased to be constructed or maintained and whole populations dwindled or simply moved away.
What brought about this collapse?
Writing in a personal, engaging style, Professor Webster makes full use of his own and colleagues’ latest discoveries at sites such as Copan, Tikal, Dos Pilas and Piedras Negras to reveal the subtle complexity and variety of the collapse across the Maya world, enhanced by illuminating cross-cultural comparisons.
Also of interest:
The Maya
Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens
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|  |  | | | | ISBN 0500051135 | | ISBN-13 978-0500051139 | | | | 23.4 x 15.6 cm | | Hardback | | 368pp | | 84 illustrations | | First published 2002 | | | | £19.95 | | | |  | | | | 
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