THE GREAT DECIPHERMENT: Decoding the story of a lost civilization.

This article reviews *The Four Heavens: A New History of the Ancient Maya* by David Stuart, an archaeologist recognized for his expertise in deciphering Mayan hieroglyphs. The book provides a comprehensive history of Maya civilization from around 1000 BCE to 1697 CE, emphasizing the cyclical nature of Maya urban development, political dynamics, and cultural achievements, particularly during the classic period (c. 150–900 CE). Stuart highlights the Maya’s advanced mathematics, astronomy, and architecture, while also connecting ancient Maya history to their present-day descendants. Although the book offers detailed insights into Maya dynasties and political history, it gives limited attention to economic, social, and cultural aspects such as trade, education, and daily life. [Extracted from the article]