Ancient Maya Political Dynamics - (Maya Studies) by Antonia E Foias (Paperback)

About the Book

An exploration, using research from the Maya site Motul de San Jose in Guatemala, of how political structures and dynamics have been examined by political anthropologists and archaeologists over the last century.

Book Synopsis

"An impressive overview of recent scholarship coupled with the results of a long-term research project at the site and region of Motul de San José. It contributes significantly to the anthropological literature on politics and power." --Daniela Triadan, coeditor of Burned Palaces and Elite Residences of Aguateca

"A long overdue and particularly welcome piece of scholarly work. It synthesizes, digests, and makes available the results of the tremendous boom in political studies in the Maya area that has occurred in the last twenty years as a consequence of rapid glyph decipherment, increased archaeological data, and more sophisticated theoretical modeling." --Eleanor M. King, Howard University

The study of politics, a dominating force throughout history, can provide great insight into the lives of ancient people. Because of the richness and complexity of Maya society, archaeologists and anthropologists have spent decades attempting to reconstruct its political systems.

In Ancient Maya Political Dynamics, Antonia Foias argues that there is no single Maya political history but multiple histories, no single Maya state but multiple polities that need to be understood at the level of the lived, individual experience. She explores the ways in which the dynamics of political power shaped the lives and landscape of the Maya and how this information can be used to look at other complex societies.

From the Back Cover

"An impressive overview of recent scholarship coupled with the results of a long-term research project at the site and region of Motul de San Jose. It contributes significantly to the anthropological literature on politics and power."--Daniela Triadan, coeditor of "Burned Palaces and Elite Residences of Aguateca" "A long overdue and particularly welcome piece of scholarly work. It synthesizes, digests, and makes available the results of the tremendous boom in political studies in the Maya area that has occurred in the last twenty years as a consequence of rapid glyph decipherment, increased archaeological data, and more sophisticated theoretical modeling."--Eleanor M. King, Howard University
The study of politics, a dominating force throughout history, can provide great insight into the lives of ancient people. Because of the richness and complexity of Maya society, archaeologists and anthropologists have spent decades attempting to reconstruct its political systems.
In "Ancient Maya Political Dynamics," Antonia Foias argues that there is no single Maya political history but multiple histories, no single Maya state but multiple polities that need to be understood at the level of the lived, individual experience. She explores the ways in which the dynamics of political power shaped the lives and landscape of the Maya and how this information can be used to look at other complex societies.

Review Quotes

"Adopts an agent-based approach to understanding the political machinations from the seventh to the ninth century. . . . [A] sophisticated synthesis of archaeological materials."--Hispanic American Historical Review


"An exemplary model of good scholarship and clearly presented arguments."--Anthropos


"Essential reading for Mayanists but its emphasis on methodology should make it valuable reading for anyone interested in early states."--Antiquity


"Foias provides a refreshing take on questions long fascinating to Maya and other scholars. . . . Illustrate[s] the political history and interaction of a medium-sized center located in the major hotbed of political intrigue."--Journal of Anthropological Research


"Strikes a fine balance between maintaining a single-culture focus and integrating cross-cultural comparisons. It will play a significant role in future discussions of Maya political organization as well as of broader anthropological studies of power."--American Anthropologist

About the Author

Antonia E. Foias is professor of anthropology at Williams College and the coeditor of Motul de San José Politics, History, and Economy in a Classic Maya Polity.