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The Order of Days summary
David Stuart
Brief summary
The Order of Days by David Stuart is a captivating exploration of the ancient Maya calendar system. It delves into the intricate ways in which the Maya measured time and how their calendar influenced their society and religious beliefs.
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The Order of Days
Summary of key ideas
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.
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What is The Order of Days about?
The Order of Days by David Stuart delves into the fascinating world of the ancient Maya civilization and their complex calendar system. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Stuart unravels the mysteries surrounding the Mayan concept of time and offers a new perspective on their remarkable achievements. This thought-provoking book challenges our understanding of history and invites us to reconsider the ways in which we perceive the passage of time.
The Order of Days Review
The Order of Days (2021) unravels the mystery surrounding the ancient Maya civilization and their unique calendar system. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Explores fascinating insights into the Mayan culture and their advanced understanding of timekeeping.
- Reveals the intriguing connections between astronomy, mathematics, and spirituality embedded in the Mayan calendar.
- Keeps readers engaged with its enigmatic history and the profound impact of the Mayan civilization on our understanding of time.
Who should read The Order of Days?
Readers who are curious about the ancient Maya civilization and their calendar system
Individuals interested in debunking myths and misconceptions surrounding the 2012 phenomenon
People who enjoy exploring different cultural perspectives and historical narratives
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The Order of Days FAQs
What is the main message of The Order of Days?
Discover the ancient Mayan calendar system and its relevance in modern society.
How long does it take to read The Order of Days?
Reading time for The Order of Days varies but plan for a few hours. Blinkist summary can be read quickly.
Is The Order of Days a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Order of Days is fascinating, offering insights into an intriguing culture. Definitely a worthwhile read!
Who is the author of The Order of Days?
David Stuart is the author of The Order of Days.
What to read after The Order of Days?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Order of Days, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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