The Mayas, the Sources of Their Historydr. Le Plongeon in Yucatan, His Account of Discoveries
1877
The Mayas, the Sources of Their Historydr. Le Plongeon in Yucatan, His Account of Discoveries
1877
A historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the origins and civilization of the Maya people, their ruins, and the archaeological discoveries that shed light on their history. Salisbury provides insights into the ancient architecture, culture, and the significant figures involved in the exploration and study of Maya civilization. At the start of the text, the author establishes the framework for understanding the geography and significance of Yucatan, accompanied by references to maps and previous explorers. He discusses the ruins and architectural advancements of the Maya, emphasizing the importance of these sites for modern archaeological studies. The opening emphasizes the ongoing struggle to document and preserve the rich history of the Maya civilization in the face of time and neglect, setting the stage for further exploration and detailed accounts of Maya culture, language, and significant archaeological findings as the work progresses.
About The Mayas, the Sources of Their Historydr. Le Plongeon in Yucatan, His Account of Discoveries
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Salisbury provides a comprehensive overview of Maya civilization, discussing early Spanish accounts, the geography of Yucatan, and the work of previous explorers like Stephens and Waldeck. He describes his own visit to Maya ruins and the current state of the indigenous population.
- 2
- Details Dr. Le Plongeon's archaeological work in Yucatan, focusing on his discovery of the Chac-Mool statue at Chichen-Itza. Includes his memorial to the Mexican government requesting permission to exhibit his findings and his subsequent legal troubles.
Key Themes
- Archaeological Discovery and Scientific Progress
- The book celebrates the methodical exploration of Maya ruins and the scientific approach to understanding ancient civilizations through careful documentation and interpretation.
- Cultural Destruction and Preservation
- A recurring theme is the destruction of Maya manuscripts and artifacts by Spanish conquistadors and clergy, contrasted with modern efforts to preserve and study these remnants.
- Government Authority vs. Individual Rights
- Le Plongeon's conflict with Mexican authorities over ownership of his discoveries highlights tensions between national patrimony laws and individual archaeological efforts.
Characters
- Dr. Augustus Le Plongeon(protagonist)
- French-born American archaeologist and explorer who discovered the Chac-Mool statue at Chichen-Itza. An enthusiastic investigator who spent years exploring Maya ruins in Yucatan with his wife.
- Alice Dixon Le Plongeon(major)
- English wife of Dr. Le Plongeon who assisted in archaeological explorations and discoveries. Credited with significant contributions to interpreting mural paintings and hieroglyphics.
- Stephen Salisbury Jr.(major)
- American antiquarian and writer who compiled and presented Dr. Le Plongeon's discoveries to the American Antiquarian Society. Author of the historical overview of Maya civilization.
- Chac-Mool(major)
- Ancient Maya chieftain whose stone statue was discovered by Dr. Le Plongeon. According to Le Plongeon's interpretation, he was murdered by his brother Aac and buried by his wife, the Queen of Itza.
- Queen of Itza(major)
- According to Le Plongeon's interpretation, the wife of Chac-Mool who erected monuments to his memory and buried his statue after his murder.
- Abbé Brasseur de Bourbourg(major)
- French scholar and archaeologist who made significant contributions to Maya studies and discovered important manuscripts. His work influenced Le Plongeon's theories.
