From stepped temples to exquisite stone carvings and jewelry—the ancient prophetic culture of Mesoamerica is vividly revealed within these pages. This book is a richly illustrated introduction to the civilization of the Maya people, the longest-lived and most widely spread of the great cultures of pre-Columbian America. Their tremendous artistic legacy can still be seen today in spectacular temple complexes, which continue to inspire awe and fascination. This civilization continues to capture and beguile the imagination, thanks to the mysteries of its prophecies, the secrets of its cryptic language, and the astonishing accuracy of its astronomer-priests in charting the movements of stars and planets. Readers will see that the glory of Maya art extends to intricate stone carvings, breathtakingly vivid wall paintings, and exquisite jewelry, many of these inspired by the rich body of Mayan mythology and religion.