#Japan #Maya Civilization #Okayama #Okayama University #RIDC

Discovering the Twilight of Mayan Civilization

The 58th Monthly Research Seminar organized by Okayama University's Research Institute for Dynamic Civilizations (RIDC) is set to delve into the intricacies of the Mayan civilization's final phase. Scheduled for July 1, 2026, this online event promises a profound exploration of how archaeology and historical records interlace to paint a picture of this ancient culture during the crucial 16th and 17th centuries.

The seminar, titled, "Understanding the Final Years of Maya Civilization through Archaeology and History," will be led by Yuko Shiratori, a researcher at Rissho University’s Institute of Humanities Sciences. Attendees can expect a rich discussion about the resilience of the Maya peoples during the Spanish Conquest, informed by both contemporary accounts from conquistadors and missionaries, as well as chronicles compiled by the Maya themselves during the colonial period.

During this session, participants will analyze and compare objective historical data with scientifically validated archaeological findings to gain insights into how the Maya managed to resist conquest for an extended period. Special focus will be given to the regions of Northern Petén in Guatemala and the Lacandon Rainforest in Chiapas, Mexico—two areas that played pivotal roles in the Maya’s historical narrative.

Both the Lacandon Rainforest and the Itza Kingdom were finally conquered in 1695 and 1697, respectively, marking the culmination of Spanish control over the Maya. By engaging with the latest research outcomes, this seminar aims to illuminate the complexities surrounding the last years of this vibrant civilization.

Who Can Attend?

The seminar is open to anyone interested, and there are no participation fees. If you wish to join, please fill out the registration form provided here. A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.

Event Details

• - Date: July 1, 2026
• - Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
• - Format: Online via Zoom

This initiative forms part of Okayama University’s ongoing commitment to promote community-centric and distinctive research activities. RIDC aims to foster an environment of mutual growth and innovation among its affiliates.

For more details about the research institute and its projects, interested parties can check out the official website of RIDC. Explore the intersection of archaeology and history in understanding civilizations that thrived in the past and continue to evoke curiosity in the present.

Engage with us at the seminar to unlock the stories from the ruins and chronicles of Maya civilization. Your participation would greatly enrich the discussion, and we sincerely hope to see you there!

For any inquiries related to this event, feel free to reach out to the RIDC at ridc◎okayama-u.ac.jp (replace ◎ with @).