Lessons from the Ancient Maya
Name:
Lessons from the Ancient Maya
Date:
October 26, 2018
Time:
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM PDT
Event Description:
| Holley Moyes (UCM) is an anthropological archaeologist who specializes in the archaeology of religion and in ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. Her interests are in how ideologies are created, maintained and changed over time and how they affect social processes and human decision-making. About 820AD a megadrought that lasted hundreds of years descended on the ancient Maya people. This brought about political turmoil and the eventual collapse of their political structure. As the drought worsened, how did the ancient people face the crises and how did they react to worsening conditions? My work looks at ritual responses as a type of crisis management for a crumbling society. Ancient Maya sacred caves became the focus of religious practice during these desperate times in what I have termed the Late Classic period "Drought Cult." I argue that rituals helped to reduce tensions and stave off warfare during this tumultuous period in Maya history. This MAPS event is intended for ages 12 years and older. MAPS programs are made possible by contributions from Modesto Junior College, Associated Students of MJC, MJC Foundation, Great Valley Museum, Stanislaus County Office of Education and Modesto Teachers Association. |
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| Contact : | Modesto Area Partners in Science |
| Phone : | (209) 575-6800 |
| Email : | |
| Web Site : |
