About

Maya Field Workshops introduce you to the world of Maya archaeology and epigraphy in intensive, on-site seminars. Led by renowned archaeologist David Stuart of the University of Texas at Austin, we focus not on tours and traveling, but on a concentrated learning experience at a single place. In Spring 2010 we will be based in Tikal, Guatemala, where participants will take part in a unique, hands-on intellectual and cultural exploration of ancient Maya civilization.

Over six days you will become immersed in Tikal’s ancient history and culture. A key part of your experience will be the opportunity to learn about Tikal’s court and community in its original, genuine setting. Come join us and explore Tikal, among the largest and most important of all ancient Maya cities. Standing in the city center, one is dwarfed by soaring pyramid-temples that rise steeply above the rain forest canopy, while the remains of the great city stretch for miles in every direction. Here we will study in detail the hieroglyphic stelae and altars commissioned by the rulers of one of the most powerful royal dynasties of American antiquity. These, as well as the intricately carved lintels preserved within the main temples, reveal the turbulent history of Tikal for some 400 years before the city was abandoned and reclaimed by the forest.  Visits to nearby Uaxactun and Yaxha will complete our week of study in Peten.  We will combine this on-site experience with daily lectures and workshops, so participants can work directly and actively with Tikal’s history, art and archaeology.

David Stuart has been a key player in the decipherment of Maya script since a young age. He has conducted research in the Maya world for over two decades, in collaboration with numerous colleagues, and is the co-author (with his father, George Stuart) of the recently published and critically acclaimed book Palenque: Eternal City of the Maya.

Our week-long inaugural workshop in the Spring of 2009 focused on Palenque, México, one of the most fascinating and beautiful of all ancient Maya cities. The Fall of 2009 brought us to Copan, Honduras for another week of on site study.  In future years we foresee field workshops rotating between important Maya sites such as Palenque, Mexico, Copan, Honduras, and Tikal, Guatemala.

To ensure a high-quality experience for all, participation in the Maya Field Workshop is limited, so please contact us as soon as you decide to join us. Our Spring and Fall 2009 Workshops filled up early, so we encourage you to contact us directly at mayafieldworkshops@gmail.com