In The Ancient Maya it describes the civilization of ancient Maya, including the roles and responsibilities of the people within different social classes, such as the farmers, rulers, scribes, warriors, and traders. Who were people of the ancient world? What was it like to be a farmer or a soldier or an artisan in ancient times? This series creates portraits of life in ancient civilizations through the inhabitants. Each chapter focuses on a different part of society, such as peasants, scholars/scribes, priests, soldiers, rulers, and more. The ancient Maya were a group of American Indian peoples who lived in what today is Mexico and Central America. They built many impressive cities, such as Copan, and farmed the land, growing corn and other crops. The Maya culture collapsed when Spanish conquistadors overtook the Maya in the 1500s.

Introduction: How we know about the ancient Maya -- Growers of Maize -- Gods and priests -- Rulers of Tikal and Palenque -- Rulers of Copan, Caracol, Chichen Itza -- Scribes and artists -- Warriors and traders -- Legacy of the ancient Maya -- Time line -- Biographical dictionary -- Glossary -- Find out more -- Index.