By making full use of the progress in deciphering the Maya hieroglyphic code, this examines the world and minds of the creators of Maya art, including a look at the Maya calendar.

Introduction. Prologue. The modern invention of the ancient Maya. The characteristics of Maya art. Maya gods and icons -- 1. The royal person -- 2. Kingship and the rites of accession -- 3. Courtly life -- 4. Bloodletting and the vision quest -- 5. Warfare and captive sacrifice -- 6. The ballgame -- 7. Death and the journey to Xibalba -- 8. Kingship and the Maya cosmos -- The Maya calendar -- The hieroglyphic writing system.