Ancient Maya

By applying a holistic view to the most recent evidence from archaeology, Arthur Demarest brings the lost civilization of the Maya to life. His theoretical interpretation emphasises both the brilliant rain forest adaptations of the ancient Maya and the Native American spirituality that permeated all aspects of their daily life. Drawing on data from the largest ongoing archaeology projects in Central America, this new study will appeal to anyone interested in the ecological bases of civilization, the function of the state and the causes of the collapse of civilizations.