Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya

Behind the vast, ruined cities lying desolate in the rainforests of Central America lie the turbulent stories of the Maya monarchy, stories brought vividly to life in Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens, the first book ever to examine in one volume the greatest of the Maya dynasties. Describing many of their own discoveries, two of the world’s leading experts in Maya hieroglyphic decipherment take the reader into a once-hidden history. In chapters on the eleven most important kingdoms, they set out the latest thinking on the nature of Maya divine kingship, statehood and political authority, and describe all the most recent archaeological finds. With biographical accounts of 152 kings and four ruling queens - including royal names in hieroglyphs, datafiles listing lineage, spouses and children, and place of burial - and numerous special features, 'Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens' combines ground-breaking research with a highly readable history, offering readers a front-row seat in one of the most exciting arenas of world archaeology.