Peter Mathews (archaeologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Mathews
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| Born | June 12, 1951 Canberra, Australia
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Archaeologist, Epigrapher, Mayanist |
Peter Mathews was born on June 12, 1951, in Canberra, Australia. He is a well-known Australian archaeologist, epigrapher, and Mayanist.
An archaeologist is like a detective who studies human history by digging up and examining old objects and buildings. An epigrapher studies ancient writings, especially inscriptions carved into stone. A Mayanist is someone who specializes in studying the ancient Maya civilization, which was a very advanced culture in Mesoamerica.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Peter Mathews studied at the University of Calgary and later at Yale University. At Yale, he earned his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and PhD degrees. While he was studying there, he received a special award called the MacArthur Fellowship when he was 33 years old. This award is given to talented people in various fields to support their creative work.
Career and Discoveries
Peter Mathews has taught at several universities, including Harvard University and La Trobe University. He was also a professor at the University of Calgary. He is currently a Co-Director of the Naachtun Archaeology Project, which explores ancient Maya sites.
The Mystery of Site Q
In the 1960s, Peter Mathews looked at some ancient artifacts and believed they came from a mysterious, unknown Maya city he called "Site Q." Later, some experts thought this "Site Q" might actually be the ancient city of La Corona. This shows how archaeologists piece together clues to understand the past.
Exploring Ancient Palenque
In 1973, Peter Mathews was invited to the first Mesa Redonda, a special conference held at Palenque, an important Maya city. These conferences bring together experts to share new discoveries and ideas about the Maya.
Challenges in the Field
In 1997, while near the Maya site of El Cayo with ten Mexican colleagues, Peter Mathews and his team faced a difficult situation. They were held for a short time but were later released safely. This shows that archaeological work can sometimes involve unexpected challenges.
Awards and Recognition
Peter Mathews has received important awards for his work:
- 1984 MacArthur Fellows Program
- 2002 Fellow of the Academy of the Humanities in Australia
Works
Peter Mathews has contributed to important books and resources about the Maya:
- "MAYA HIEROGLYPH DICTIONARY" on the FAMSI website. This is a helpful tool for understanding Maya writing.
- He co-authored Handbook to life in the ancient Maya world with Lynn V. Foster. This book helps people learn about daily life in the ancient Maya civilization.
See also
In Spanish: Peter Mathews para niños
