Perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to learn more about Ancient Maya hieroglyphs, temple-pyramids, royal courts, and historical rivalries, this course provides an in-depth overview of the Classic Maya civilization from its beginnings in the 2nd millennium BCE through the Spanish Invasion in the early 1500s CE. The Classic Maya have fascinated public and scholarly audiences the world over. As one of the few major ancient civilizations to have emerged in a tropical jungle setting, they are often labeled as “mysterious” or “enigmatic.” The Classic Maya developed intricate calendrical, architectural, political, hieroglyphic, and ideological systems. This course seeks to present the true nature of Maya civilization as it is understood from the archaeological record, Classic Maya texts, and through insights from contemporary Maya communities.

This course takes place on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30pm (PT) on Zoom.

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.