The Lost Secrets of Maya Technology

The Lost Secrets of Maya Technology
Author: James A. O'Kon
Publisher: Career Press
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2012
Genre: Discoveries in science
ISBN: 9781601632074

The Maya have been an enigma since their discovery in the mid- 19th century. Maya science developed an elegant mathematic system, an incredibly accurate astronomy, and one of the world's five original written languages. This technology was more advanced than similar European technology by more than a thousand years. In this book, you'll see how James O'Kon, a professional engineer, synergistically applied field exploration, research, forensic engineering, and 3-D virtual reconstruction of Maya projects to discover lost Maya technological achievements. These lost principles of technology enabled Maya engineers to construct grand cities that towered above the rainforest, water systems with underground reservoirs for water storage, miles of all-weather paved roads tracking through the jungle, and the longest bridge in the ancient world. Maya engineers developed structural mechanics for multi-story buildings that were not exceeded in height until the first "skyscraper" built in Chicago in 1885, invented the blast furnace 2,000 years before it was patented in England, and developed the vulcanization of rubber more than 2,600 years before Charles Goodyear. Discover a host of unknown wonders in The Lost Secrets of Maya Technology.

Georges de La Tour and the Enigma of the Visible

Georges de La Tour and the Enigma of the Visible
Author: Dalia Judovitz
Publisher: Fordham Univ Press
Total Pages: 192
Release: 2017-11-07
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0823277453

Not rediscovered until the twentieth century, the works of Georges de La Tour retain an aura of mystery. At first sight, his paintings suggest a veritable celebration of light and the visible world, but this is deceptive. The familiarity of visual experience blinds the beholder to a deeper understanding of the meanings associated with vision and the visible in the early modern period. By exploring the representations of light, vision, and the visible in La Tour’s works, this interdisciplinary study examines the nature of painting and its artistic, religious, and philosophical implications. In the wake of iconoclastic outbreaks and consequent Catholic call for the revitalization of religious imagery, La Tour paints familiar objects of visible reality that also serve as emblems of an invisible, spiritual reality. Like the books in his paintings, asking to be read, La Tour’s paintings ask not just to be seen as visual depictions but to be deciphered as instruments of insight. In figuring faith as spiritual passion and illumination, La Tour’s paintings test the bounds of the pictorial image, attempting to depict what painting cannot ultimately show: words, hearing, time, movement, changes of heart. La Tour’s emphasis on spiritual insight opens up broader artistic, philosophical, and conceptual reflections on the conditions of possibility of the pictorial medium. By scrutinizing what is seen and how, and by questioning the position of the beholder, his works revitalize critical discussion of the nature of painting and its engagements with the visible world.

The Enigma of Reason

The Enigma of Reason
Author: Hugo Mercier
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 405
Release: 2017-04-17
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0674368304

“Brilliant...Timely and necessary.” —Financial Times “Especially timely as we struggle to make sense of how it is that individuals and communities persist in holding beliefs that have been thoroughly discredited.” —Darren Frey, Science If reason is what makes us human, why do we behave so irrationally? And if it is so useful, why didn’t it evolve in other animals? This groundbreaking account of the evolution of reason by two renowned cognitive scientists seeks to solve this double enigma. Reason, they argue, helps us justify our beliefs, convince others, and evaluate arguments. It makes it easier to cooperate and communicate and to live together in groups. Provocative, entertaining, and undeniably relevant, The Enigma of Reason will make many reasonable people rethink their beliefs. “Reasonable-seeming people are often totally irrational. Rarely has this insight seemed more relevant...Still, an essential puzzle remains: How did we come to be this way?...Cognitive scientists Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber [argue that] reason developed not to enable us to solve abstract, logical problems...[but] to resolve the problems posed by living in collaborative groups.” —Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker “Turns reason’s weaknesses into strengths, arguing that its supposed flaws are actually design features that work remarkably well.” —Financial Times “The best thing I have read about human reasoning. It is extremely well written, interesting, and very enjoyable to read.” —Gilbert Harman, Princeton University

The Maya and Climate Change

The Maya and Climate Change
Author: Kenneth Seligson
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2022-11-29
Genre: Climatic changes
ISBN: 0197652921

"The Classic Maya civilization thrived between 200-950 CE in the tropical forests of eastern Mesoamerica before undergoing a period of breakdown and transformation known colloquially as the Classic Maya Collapse. This book draws on archaeological, environmental, and historical datasets to provide a comprehensive overview of Classic Maya human-environment relationships, including how communities addressed challenges wrought by climate change. Researchers today understand that the breakdown of Classic Maya society was the result of many long-term processes. Yet the story that continues to grip the public imagination is that Maya civilization mysteriously "collapsed." This book shifts the focus from the Classic Maya "collapse" to the multitude examples of adaptive flexibility that allowed Pre-Colonial Maya communities to persevere in a challenging natural environment for over seven centuries. This idea is so enthralling partly because it makes people think about the impermanence of present-day society. A misunderstanding of Maya conservation practices persists in non-academic circles to the disservice not only of the Pre-Colonial Maya, but also to their descendants living in eastern Mesoamerica today. Although the Classic Maya civilization did not leave behind much in the way of secret environmental knowledge for us to rediscover (that is unfortunately rarely how archaeology works), a critical lesson that can be learned from studying the Classic Maya is the importance of socio-ecological adaptability-the ability and willingness to change cultural practices to address long-term challenges"--

Fermat's Last Theorem

Fermat's Last Theorem
Author: Simon Singh
Publisher: Fourth Estate
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2022-05-26
Genre:
ISBN: 9780008553821

Introducing the Collins Modern Classics, a series featuring some of the most significant books of recent times, books that shed light on the human experience - classics which will endure for generations to come.

2000 Years of Mayan Literature

2000 Years of Mayan Literature
Author: Dennis Tedlock
Publisher: Univ of California Press
Total Pages: 481
Release: 2011-11-04
Genre: History
ISBN: 0520271378

A chronological survey of Mayan literature, covering two thousand years, from the earliest hieroglyphic inscriptions to later works using the Roman alphabet.

The Rise and Fall of North American Indians

The Rise and Fall of North American Indians
Author: William Brandon
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 632
Release: 2003
Genre: History
ISBN: 1570984522

The most expansive one-volume history of the native peoples of North America ever published.

On the Trail of the Maya Explorer

On the Trail of the Maya Explorer
Author: Steve Glassman
Publisher: University of Alabama Press
Total Pages: 298
Release: 2007-03-25
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 0817354425

Steve Glassman retraces John Lloyd Stephens' 1839 route, visiting the same archaeological sites, towns, markets, and churches and meeting along the way the descendants of those people Stephens described, from mestizo en route to the cornfields to town elders welcoming the Norte Americanos. Glassman's work interlaces discussion of the history, natural environment, and architecture of the region with descriptions of the people who live and work there. Glassman compares his 20th-century experience with Stephens's 19th-century exploration, gazing in awe at the same monumental pyramids, eating similar foods, and avoiding the political clashes that disrupt the governments and economies of the area.

21 Mayan Mysteries

21 Mayan Mysteries
Author: Samuel Shepherd
Publisher: Samuel Shepherd
Total Pages: 170
Release: 101-01-01
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 183938817X

📚 Unveil the Secrets of the Maya Civilization! 🌿 Title: 21 Mayan Mysteries: Hidden Treasures of a Timeless Civilization Unlock the Mysteries, Discover the Magic Journey into the heart of one of history’s most fascinating and enigmatic cultures with "21 Mayan Mysteries: Hidden Treasures of a Timeless Civilization." This captivating book takes you on an unforgettable adventure, revealing the incredible achievements and enduring mysteries of the ancient Maya. 🌄✨ Why You’ll Love This Book: 🔍 Explore Intriguing Mysteries From the celestial alignments of their grand pyramids to the intricate details of their undeciphered codices, this book dives deep into the Maya’s sophisticated world. Each chapter unveils a specific mystery, providing a comprehensive look at their advanced knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. 🌟📐 🏛️ Marvel at Architectural Wonders Discover the genius behind the towering temples of Tikal, the sacred cenotes of Yucatán, and the awe-inspiring palaces of Palenque. The Maya’s architectural prowess will leave you spellbound, offering insights into their spiritual devotion and unparalleled craftsmanship. 🏺🛕✨ 📜 Decipher Ancient Texts Immerse yourself in the labyrinth of Maya glyphs and codices that tell tales of gods, kings, and cosmic events. Learn about their sophisticated writing system and the rich tapestry of history and mythology it conveys. 📖🔑 🌱 Connect with Modern Descendants Meet the living descendants of the Maya who continue to inhabit Central America, preserving their languages, traditions, and cultural identity. Their resilience and vibrant cultural heritage provide a powerful connection to the past and a living testament to their ancestors’ greatness. 🌎💬 🌟 Perfect for Scholars and Enthusiasts Whether you’re a seasoned historian, a curious traveler, or a lover of ancient cultures, "21 Mayan Mysteries" is designed to ignite your imagination and deepen your understanding of the Maya. Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, this book is both an educational resource and a captivating read. 🎓📚 🎁 The Perfect Gift Delight your friends and family with a gift that offers endless hours of discovery and inspiration. "21 Mayan Mysteries" makes a wonderful addition to any bookshelf, providing a treasure trove of knowledge and beauty. 🎁📘 What Readers Are Saying: "An enthralling exploration of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. A must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries of the ancient world!" 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 "Beautifully written and richly detailed, this book brings the Maya’s hidden treasures to life. Highly recommend!" 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Don’t Miss Out! Step into the world of the Maya and uncover the secrets that have fascinated scholars and adventurers for centuries. "21 Mayan Mysteries: Hidden Treasures of a Timeless Civilization" is more than a book – it’s a journey through time. Order your copy today and embark on an adventure that will captivate your mind and spirit. 🌠📖 Order Now and Discover the Wonders of the Maya Civilization! 🛒 [Add to Cart] Explore. Wonder. Discover.