Understanding Maya Inscriptions

This second edition includes revised and updated versions of three earlier publications: Understanding Maya Inscriptions: A Hieroglyph Handbook; New and Recent Maya Hieroglyph Readings; and A Resource Bibliography for the Decipherment of Maya Hieroglyphs and New Maya Hieroglyph Readings. This volume is designed to function as a self-teaching tool to help the neophyte, and yet be of value to scholars. It introduces the latest methods of analysis, illustrates techniques for computing Maya calendrics, uses the currently accepted orthography, provides syllabary and syntax, suggests new glyph readings, and presents various interpretations.

This work explains how Plains Indians used handsigns as symbols for communication, and that the graphic signs derived from hand gestures played an important role in the development of writing. The author deciphers Maya inscriptions to reveal their hidden messages.

Maya Hieroglyphic Writing: Introduction is a comprehensive book that provides an in-depth exploration of the ancient Maya civilization's writing system. Written by John Eric Sidney Thompson, a renowned Maya scholar and archaeologist, this book offers a detailed analysis of the hieroglyphic script used by the Maya people to record their history, culture, and beliefs.The book begins with an overview of the Maya civilization, its history, and the discovery of its writing system. It then delves into the structure and meaning of the Maya hieroglyphs, providing readers with a thorough understanding of how the script was used to convey information.Thompson also discusses the role of the scribes in Maya society and the importance of hieroglyphic writing in religious and political contexts. He provides numerous examples of Maya inscriptions and explains how they can be deciphered to reveal important insights into the civilization's culture and history.The book is extensively illustrated with photographs, drawings, and diagrams, making it easy for readers to follow the author's explanations. Additionally, Thompson includes a glossary of Maya terms and a bibliography for further reading.Maya Hieroglyphic Writing: Introduction is an essential resource for anyone interested in the Maya civilization, archaeology, or ancient writing systems. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Maya hieroglyphic script and its significance, making it a valuable addition to any library or collection.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.