The usual answer as to why the ancient Maya of eastern Mexico and western Central America built pyramids is that the shape reflected the hierarchical structure of their society. Some pyramids did entomb kings and queens. Yet we can doubt whether, except during the 700s and 800s AD, the royalty made much difference to Maya life. We could ask, equally, ‘Did the Maya need kings?’
The pyramids expressed a view of the world; and, indeed, the evidence does suggest that kings tried to insinuate themselves into cosmological ideas by association with the pyramids. One reason could have been simply the amount of work entailed in building them: was it an attempt to turn farmers into dependent peasants? Or was everyone, to the contrary, thoroughly pious?
We shall consider, then, who the Maya were, the variety of their traditions and their sociology. After grounding ourselves in an out-line of the history from earliest times to the Spanish Conquest, we shall study, first, the ecology and economics — assessing startling new evidence for the number of Maya — and then the varying indications of their social and political organisation before turning to consider philosophy or world-view and worship.
A few pyramids remained in use into the 1400s but most were abandoned long before the Spanish Conquest. So we conclude with a study of ‘the Maya collapse’ from the 700s to the 900s. That remains one of the archaeological world’s top mysteries. With its implications for political, social and ecological sustainability, it may, indeed, be a key to 2500 years of ancient history.
Classes will comprise illustrated lectures. They will be designed to encourage discussion of the issues arising.
