National Geographic Investigates: Ancient Maya: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of the Maya's Past

As Europe endured its Dark Ages, the Maya mapped the heavens and mastered mathematics. They constructed vast cities in jungle landscapes, leaving legacies in stone at places like Palenque and Uxmal. In overgrown sites, archaeologists now piece together this civilization with the aid of satellite technology. Modern-day experts provide windows into the Mayan world by interpreting ancient messages, inscribed for future generations. National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

NATHANIEL HARRIS studied at University College, Oxford, before beginning a career in publishing. He has been a full-time author, specializing in historical and geographical subjects.