How to Read Maya Hieroglyphs

The ancient Maya civilisation of Mesoamerica was one of five in the history of the world to invent an original, functional writing system. Maya scribes documented the history of their civilisation in hieroglyphic script, yet by the nineteenth century there was not a single person left who could read this pictorial writing. After two centuries of intensive questioning, debate and research by experts and novices alike, the script has been almost fully recovered -- one of the most significant historical discoveries of the twentieth century. Serving as both an introduction to the script and a convenient reference to its basic features and symbols, this book is designed for amateurs and specialists, including general readers, travellers to the Maya areas, and participants in hieroglyphic workshops.