A Mayan Lesson in Security and Liberty

[Goldstein1984]

My wife and I were touring the Mayan ruins at Coba, Yucatan, Mexico. Our guide, a Mayan, led us through the ruins and explained the history of his people.

We came upon a petroglyph depicting a Mayan priest wearing a feathered robe and head dress, carrying a scepter, and walking on the backs of kneeling people. Our guide explained:

"Look at the Mayan priest! See his feathered robe and the scepter that show his power! Look how the people kneel and submit as he walks across their backs! The priests used to tell the Mayan people, 'We will protect you from our enemies, from disease, from starvation, and from natural disasters! All you have to do is give up your freedoms and submit to our authority!' It was much like living in the United States today!"

That was 2004. Six years later, I hope Alonzo is still telling that story. It's still true.

[ngant17]

1. I think "Apocalypso" was a good portrayal of pre-Columbia Mayan culture

complete with the human sacrifices and assorted brutality. They were not ever completely defeated in the jungles, unlike the Aztecs who were manipulated to fight against their traditional enemies by the Spaniards, and the conquistadors were able to capitalize on that. Had the Aztecs realized that they were being invaded by a foreign army and they would be subjugated in short time, history would have been somewhat different.

[GreenMetalFlake]

2. K&R

[leveymg]

3. National Security Manadarins, Cult of the H-Bomb, now joined by the Counterterrorism Priesthood.

"We had to destroy the village in order to save the village."

[Helga Scow Stern]

4. Am reading a new book, 2000 Years of Mayan Literature....

I'll see if it sheds anymore light on what your guide said about his history. Sadly, I can't argue about his assessment of what has happened here.

[Goldstein1984]

5. Added that book to my wish list. Thanks!

The book on Mayan history they offered me at Tulum and Coba' was "The Maya" by Michael D. Cole.