The Mayas, the Sources of Their History

A vivid portrait unfolds of nineteenth‑century scholars racing to chart the forgotten world of the Maya. The work opens with a detailed look at the rare 1848 Plano de Yucatán, explaining how its symbols flag both explored ruins and those still veiled in jungle, while newer maps drawn in Paris promise fresh clarity. Readers are guided through the bustling activity of French antiquarian societies, whose ambitious programs include publishing rare manuscripts, compiling native language dictionaries, and establishing museums devoted to the Americas.

Beyond the cartography, the narrative delves into the motivations that drove explorers—from Spain’s quest for gold and faith to France’s scientific idealism. It recounts early expeditions, the fleeting Mexican imperial project, and the passionate drive of figures like Le Plongeon and the founders of the Société Américaine de France. Through these accounts, the book illuminates how a blend of politics, curiosity, and meticulous fieldwork laid the groundwork for modern Maya studies, inviting listeners to glimpse the origins of a discipline still unraveling ancient mysteries.