Not Just the Tudors The Maya and the Inquisition
May 8, 2025
In this discussion, Amy Fuller, a historian specializing in early modern Spain and Mexico, reveals the dark consequences of Diego de Landa's fanaticism against the Maya. She details how Landa's destruction of sacred texts led to profound cultural loss, while ironically becoming a source for understanding Maya civilization. The conversation explores the Maya's rich intellectual heritage in mathematics and astronomy, their resilience against colonial oppression, and the complex legacy of their cultural narrative amidst historical erasure.
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Maya Civilization's Enduring Legacy
- The Maya civilization is one of the most enduring and advanced pre-Columbian societies, still existing today despite centuries of hardship.
- Their sophisticated calendar, astronomy, engineering, and agriculture reflect deep adaptation to their environment and an impressive cultural legacy.
Maya Religion Integral to Daily Life
- The Maya culture integrates religion into every aspect of daily life, aiming to maintain cosmic order.
- Natural features like temples and mountains held sacred spiritual significance for the Maya people.
Maya Sacrifice Misunderstood
- Maya sacrifice focused more on auto-sacrifice by rulers than large-scale human sacrifice.
- Accounts often confuse Maya practices with Aztec ones, exaggerating human sacrifice among the Maya.