Sacred Mysteries Among the Mayas and the Kʼicheʼs (Illustrated) (eBook)

Augustus Le Plongeon (1826–1908) was a pioneering archaeologist, photographer, and Mayanist scholar known for his work in the Yucatan Peninsula during the late 19th century. His theories and methods were unconventional for his time, often combining his interest in archaeology with an esoteric perspective. Devoted to the study of Mayan civilization, Le Plongeon was one of the earliest proponents of the idea that ancient Maya were connected to the lost continent of Atlantis, a theory that has been widely debunked and is not supported by contemporary Mayanists. Nevertheless, his passion for the culture and his photographic documentation of Mayan ruins were valuable contributions to the field. One of his notable works, 'Sacred Mysteries Among the Mayas and the Kʼicheʼ's (Illustrated),' delves into the spiritual beliefs and rituals of the Maya and K'iche' people, showcasing Le Plongeon's deep interest in deciphering their complex mythology and cosmology. His literary style is reflective of the 19th-century fascination with mysticism and ancient cultures, often imbued with a level of speculation that overshadows his empirical observations. Despite the contentious nature of his hypotheses, Le Plongeon's efforts to understand the ancient Maya contributed to the wider public interest in Mesoamerican archaeology and ultimately paved the way for more rigorous scholarly research.