The Order of Days summary

The Maya Calendar and Its Complexity

In The Order of Days, David Stuart delves into the complex world of the ancient Maya civilization and their intricate calendar system. He begins by explaining the intricacies of the Maya calendar, detailing its three main cycles: the Tzolk'in, the Haab, and the Long Count. Stuart illustrates how these cycles interlocked to create a unique and elaborate system for measuring time.

Stuart also explores the role of time and calendars in Maya culture and religion. He discusses how the Maya conceived of time as cyclical rather than linear, and how their calendar system was intimately linked to their religious beliefs, agricultural practices, and political power structures. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Maya calendar within its cultural context, rather than imposing modern interpretations on it.

Deciphering Maya Hieroglyphs

The book then shifts focus to Stuart's personal journey in deciphering Maya hieroglyphs. As a teenager, he made a groundbreaking contribution to Maya studies by decoding a complex hieroglyphic text. This success propelled him into a lifelong career as a leading expert in Maya epigraphy, the study of ancient inscriptions.

Stuart's work in Maya epigraphy has significantly advanced our understanding of the ancient civilization. He has deciphered countless inscriptions, shedding light on Maya history, politics, and culture. Through his narrative, Stuart shares the excitement and challenges of working with these enigmatic texts, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Maya scholarship.

2012 Phenomenon and Misinterpretations

One of the central themes in The Order of Days is the 2012 phenomenon, which gained widespread attention due to interpretations of the Maya Long Count calendar. Stuart explains that the ancient Maya never predicted an apocalyptic event for this date. Instead, he argues that the 2012 hysteria was born from a series of misinterpretations and sensationalism.

He traces the origins of the 2012 phenomenon to New Age spiritualism and pseudoscientific theories, highlighting how these ideas were divorced from the true understanding of Maya culture and calendars. Stuart emphasizes that the Maya Long Count calendar simply marked the end of a cycle, akin to the rollover of a car's odometer, and was likely a cause for celebration rather than fear.

The True Legacy of the Maya

Throughout The Order of Days, Stuart emphasizes the sophistication and achievements of the ancient Maya civilization. He dispels misconceptions about the Maya as a 'lost' or 'mysterious' people, portraying them instead as a vibrant society with rich cultural traditions and a deep understanding of astronomy and mathematics.

Stuart concludes by asserting that the true legacy of the Maya lies in their intellectual and artistic achievements, their intricate understanding of time, and their enduring cultural heritage. He calls for a more nuanced and respectful approach to studying the Maya, one that recognizes their contributions to human knowledge and celebrates their remarkable civilization.