Encyclopedia of the Ancient Maya

Walter R. T. Witschey is research professor of anthropology and geography at Longwood University, past president of the Virginia Academy of Science, and director emeritus of the Science Museum of Virginia. His research interest is Maya settlement patterns and he is co-PI with Clifford T. Brown of the Electronic Atlas of Ancient Maya Sites. Brown and Witschey coauthored The Historical Dictionary of Ancient Mesoamerica.

As technology advances, new discoveries and knowledge are added to the study of ancient civilizations, including the Maya. This volume uses these new developments and modern research to provide readers with a comprehensive look at the world of the ancient Maya. Entries cover a wide array of topics that help to illustrate the history and culture of the ancient Maya, including archaeological sites, language, religion, science, art and architecture, interaction with the environment, and modern-day nations. Each entry contains cross-referencing and a further-reading list, directing the reader to related research. In addition to maps, images, and examples of glyphs, other tools are provided to help the reader better navigate the volume, understand the terminology, and give context to the information. One such example is the “Chronology” section, which not only gives an overview of the history of the ancient Maya but explanations as to how the chronology was developed by archaeologists. A glossary; lists of relevant Internet sources, journals, and research institutions; and an extensive bibliography are some of the other tools provided to aid the reader in research. The tools and wide-ranging information covered here make for an excellent starting point for student researchers of many disciplines. The work would a valuable resource for undergraduate students of archaeology, anthropology, history, Latino studies, and art history.