This book investigates some of the central topics of metaphysics in the philosophical thought of the Maya people of Mesoamerica, particularly from the Preclassic through Postclassic periods. This book covers the topics of time, change, identity, and truth, through comparative investigation integrating Maya texts and practices—such as Classic Period stelae, Postclassic Codices, and Colonial-era texts such as the Popol Vuh and the books of Chilam Balam—and early Chinese philosophy.

The Resurrection Plate, a Late Classic Maya dish, is decorated with an arresting scene. The Maize God, assisted by two other deities, emerges reborn from a turtle shell. At the center of the plate, in the middle of the god’s body and aligned with the point of emergence, there is a curious sight: a small, neatly drilled hole. Art historian Andrew Finegold explores the meanings attributed to this and other holes in Mesoamerican material culture, arguing that such spaces were broadly understood as conduits of vital forces and material abundance, prerequisites for the emergence of life. Beginning with, and repeatedly returning to, the Resurrection Plate, this study explores the generative potential attributed to a wide variety of cavities and holes in Mesoamerica, ranging from the perforated dishes placed in Classic Maya burials, to caves and architectural voids, to the piercing of human flesh. Holes are also discussed in relation to fire, based on the common means through which both were produced: drilling. Ultimately, by attending to what is not there, Vital Voids offers a fascinating approach to Mesoamerican cosmology and material culture.

An engaging study that reveals sacred teachings that the Mayan priesthood hid from Spanish conquistadores in Mexico in 1519. The author explores the scientific and spiritual principles underlying the ancient glyphs, numbers, and language of the Maya.

First published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

* Examines the history and philosophy of the mathematical sciences in a cultural context, tracing their evolution from ancient times up to the twentieth century * 176 articles contributed by authors of 18 nationalities * Chronological table of main events in the development of mathematics * Fully integrated index of people, events and topics * Annotated bibliographies of both classic and contemporary sources * Unique coverage of Ancient and non-Western traditions of mathematics

A growing interest in all things Maya brings an increasing number of visitors to prehistoric Maya ruins and contemporary Maya communities in Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, western Honduras, the Yucatán Peninsula, and the southern areas of Chiapas and Tabasco, Mexico. For these visitors and indeed everyone with an interest in the Maya, this field guide highlights nearly 100 species of plants and animals that were significant to the ancient Maya and that continue to inhabit the Maya region today. Drawing from the disciplines of biology, ecology, and anthropology, Victoria Schlesinger describes each plant or animal's habitat and natural history, identifying characteristics (also shown in a black-and-white drawing), and cultural significance to the ancient and contemporary Maya. An introductory section explains how to use the book and offers a concise overview of the history, lifeways, and cosmology of the ancient Maya. The concluding section describes the collapse of ancient Maya society and briefly traces the history of the Maya region from colonial times to the present.

The Mayan civilization is one of the most fascinating cultures of all time. They flourished in Mesoamerica from around 300 BC to 900 AD, and their cities were more complex than any others at the time. The Maya built roads, developed an accurate measurement system for distances, and built enormous stone temples that served as centers of worship, astronomy, and astrology. They also had a well-developed written language, which they used to record their history and communicate important messages. This post will explore some of their most significant discoveries that have shaped our world today! The Mayan culture flourished in the Mesoamerican region from around 300 BC. The society was known for its unique and advanced knowledge of architecture, astronomy, calendar-making, and mathematics. The Mayans were one of the first civilizations in the Americas to develop a written language, and they had an extensive knowledge of astronomy, which they used to predict eclipses. Mayans lived in Mexico and Central America, especially on the Yucatan Peninsula, where they built sophisticated cities with pyramids and temples made of stone, such as Chichén Itzá or Uxmal. They also built many buildings with flat roofs named patios where people would come together to worship their gods while they watched dances performed by priests dressed in colorful costumes made from jaguar skins. The Maya had a well-developed written language. The Mayan writing system was developed before the invention of the wheel and is one of the oldest in existence. It was first used to record history, astronomy, and astrology but later became a way for people to communicate with each other. The Mayans turned out to be better mathematicians than we thought they were. Their calendar could easily track lunar cycles, solstices, and equinoxes without error; it also predicted eclipses with great accuracy.

A comprehensive and accessible introduction to the philosophical traditions of the precolonial Mesoamerican peoples, including the Maya, Aztecs, and Mixtecs.