OSHER 172 - Time, Gods, Blood, and Kings: Ancient Maya Religion

Maya religion, especially ancient Maya religion holds an enduring fascination for us. We will explore Maya religion across time, focusing on the Classic period (from about 200-900 C.E.) Maya views of time and the cosmos, the creations and recreations of the world and humans, sacrifice and autosacrifice among the Maya, the religious roles of Maya rulers, and ways the Maya have reconciled traditional religion with Christianity in the years since the Spanish Conquest. Week 1: The Maya, their calendar, and hieroglyphic writing. Week 2: Supernatural Geography and the Cosmos. Week 3: Creations and re-creations. Week 4: The Popol Vuh: the hero twins and Maya kings. Week 5: Warfare and sacrifice. Week 6: Visit the NHMU travelling Maya exhibit.