This exciting book explores the culture and achievements of the ancient Maya through the examination of artifacts that have survived through the centuries. Each primary-source artifact offers the reader significant clues to the civilization's technologies, cultural traditions, foods, and conflicts.

Who were the ancient Maya? -- Digging up the past -- Mesoamerica -- Maya governments -- Everyday people -- Food and farming -- Science and technology -- The Maya builders -- Language and literature -- Gods and the afterlife -- Trade and warfare -- The decline of the Maya -- Count like the Maya.