As technology advances, new discoveries and knowledge are added to the study of ancient civilizations, including the Maya. This volume uses these new developments and modern research to provide readers with a comprehensive look at the world of the ancient Maya. Entries cover a wide array of topics that help to illustrate the history and culture of the ancient Maya, including archaeological sites, language, religion, science, art and architecture, interaction with the environment, and modern-day nations. Each entry contains cross-referencing and a further-reading list, directing the reader to related research. In addition to maps, images, and examples of glyphs, other tools are provided to help the reader better navigate the volume, understand the terminology, and give context to the information. One such example is the “Chronology” section, which not only gives an overview of the history of the ancient Maya but explanations as to how the chronology was developed by archaeologists. A glossary; lists of relevant Internet sources, journals, and research institutions; and an extensive bibliography are some of the other tools provided to aid the reader in research. The tools and wide-ranging information covered here make for an excellent starting point for student researchers of many disciplines. The work would a valuable resource for undergraduate students of archaeology, anthropology, history, Latino studies, and art history.

Booklist

Editor Witschey has done a remarkable job compiling a work that introduces novices to the field of Maya art and archaeology—a noteworthy achievement because the field has dramatically expanded and offers a daunting wealth of resources. He curates the material with care, reflecting current research and an admirable breadth of topics. Alphabetic entries (listed also in a thematic table of contents) cover individual archaeological sites, general topics (e.g., overviews of architecture, ceramics, medicine), subjects specific to Mesoamerican research (ball game/ball court, causeway/sacbe, or writing systems), and the editor's concerted effort to present current research (economics, LiDAR laser imaging technology, or climate change). The more than 80 expert contributors provide suggestions for further research, some of which may reveal their own idiosyncratic theoretical approaches. Helpful sections include a compact chronology, a glossary to help students understand terminology, a list of prominent research institutions for Maya studies, and a series of maps emphasizing geology and resources, augmenting the book's special focus on economics and climate issues. A list of journals specializing in Maya research identifies reliable research materials…. The text achieves its objective of serving as an up-to-date resource for those new to Maya studies.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Undergraduate and community college students; general readers.

Choice Reviews

Encyclopedia of the Ancient Maya is a goldmine of knowledge on everything Maya, including their history, culture, architecture, languages, and religion. Written by 81 authors and subject experts, it offers everything the high school and college students would need to know. If you are new to the subject, it is the best book to start with. Every high school and college library must have it.

The Washington Book Review

The editor of this excellent reference work hopes to acquaint the reader with information regarding the ancient Maya, their architecture and writing, and the techniques used for gathering and analyzing archaeological information. The audience for this work is high school and college students. . . .This work provides a wealth of information on the topic of the ancient Maya, couched in terms that can be understood by the layperson. It includes information on very recent discoveries as well as those of the distant past. This is an excellent introduction to the ancient Maya, the people who study them, and the techniques used in the process. This book should be in all high school and college libraries and in appropriate special libraries.

American Reference Books Annual

[A]n indispensable volume for those studying the Maya civilization, as well as any considering a visit to the area. Whilst it is by no means a pocket book, it will provide much valuable background detail for anyone who wishes to enhance their learning or who is studying the Maya and their history…. Whilst many may believe they have an understanding of the narrative story of the Maya, this encyclopaedia will open up new areas of understanding, shed more light on some of the perhaps more obscure and less well-known aspects of the culture, and, because it has been done in such an accessible manner, it will open up the study to more readers. Students will find it develops their understanding of research techniques and possible avenues of study whilst the general reader will consider it an accessible volume that teaches them more about a fascinating culture. This is a well-researched, engaging and informative volume equally suited to the academic library and home reference bookshelf.

Reference Reviews

Witschey and his contributors have pulled together a huge array of up-to-date research focused exclusively on the ancient Maya. They’ve done great work to present it all at a level suitable for students, general readers interested in the Maya past, and professionals who want a refresher about a specific topic.

Antonia Foias, Williams College