Lebrun, David

Over the last fifty years exquisite Maya painted vessels have burst into public and private collections worldwide. These pieces have opened a door to the Mayan past, history, mythology and everyday life. However, since 90% of this archaeological heritage has been plundered from Mayan royal tombs, these artefacts are not only appreciated for their artistic and archaeological values but have also opened up an ethical debate on archaeological looting.

“Breaking the Maya Code” is the story of 200 years of investigation, which has allowed the hieroglyphic writing of the Mayas to be deciphered. It is an epic narration which takes us from the jungles of Guatemala through to the snows of Russia, and from ancient Maya temples through to the dusty libraries of Dresden and Madrid.