A Mayan Town Through History

The third title in this fascinating series depicts the story of an imaginary riverside settlement in the Yucatan peninsula from its origins in the 10th century BC onwards through various stages of development as a Mayan ceremonial centre, Spanish colonial city, Republican district capital and modern twentieth-century metropolis. Fourteen superb double-page spreads of amazingly detailed and accurate line-drawing provide an immediate visual comparison of the changing panorama, whilst intervening pages supply a linking historical commentary together with further artwork portraying aspects of social, religious and economic life in 'close-up'. The book provides a valuable insight into the internal and external factors that can dramatically affect a society's ability to adapt and survive. Echoes of the collapse of growth, impoverished land and conflict between pressure groups reverberate in the final chapter entitled 'Unchecked Expansion and an Uncertain Future'. The irony that history may be about to repeat itself is shown, albeit unintentionally, in the accompanying illustration where the ruined temples that have survived are now tourist attractions in the archaeology park.