The Maya

This archaeological survey synthesizes what is known of the ancient Maya of Mexico and Central America. Hammond outlines the rediscovery of the forest cities, the rise and collapse of Classic polities in the lowlands, and the evidence for agriculture, trade, kingship, writing, and ritual. He draws on excavation, including his own work in Belize, as well as on monuments, ceramics, and settlement patterns. The book is a general account of one pre-Columbian civilization, not a field report on a single site and not a tourist guide.

Bound in gilt blocked purple cloth. Dark blue slipcase. From Empires of early Latin America set.