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1. Underwaterworld Iconography of the Classic Maya

The Maya underworld was an underwater world. Dr. Hellmuth will guide us through the mythology and iconography of the Maya underwaterworld. Using a multi-disciplinary approach and a scientist's keen eye for tropical flora and fauna, Dr. Hellmuth will decipher the design motifs of the supernatural plants, animals, and creatures that signal underwaterworld-related aspects of the Maya cosmos and belief systems.

You'll acquire an enhanced baseline understanding of the symbolism of the sacred shark and waterlily  and other flora and fauna; the abstracted or abbreviated representations of these things in Maya art, and the status of scientific efforts to document and preserve the corresponding living plants and animals that are associated with the Maya cosmos.

2. Sacred Plants of the 6th-9th Century Maya of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras

Plants were not only a central component of the Classic Mayas' physical environment, they richly populated and functioned in the Maya cosmos, and were highly significant in culture and ritual.  To deepen your knowledge of the roles of sacred plants such as maize, cacao, flor de Mayo, hule (a rubber tree), the water lily, and a host of other sacred plants and flowers. Dr. Hellmuth will discuss the importance of the Mayas' sacred plants, their uses, and distribution in the Maya world.

You'll gain a sense of the interrelationship of Maya cosmology, botany, culture, agriculture, and history represented in the concept of sacred plants.  We'll get a glimpse of Dr. Hellmuth's extensive collection of images showing both living specimens of plants and plant products, and the botanical motifs related to Maya sacred plants in architecture, murals, and pottery.

3. Ethno-botany: Plants Utilized by the Maya from Classic Times through Today

We know that plants served an extensive role in the Maya's relationship with their deities.  Back in the earthly Maya realm, what's for supper?

Across the diverse terrain of the Maya world, a wide variety plants served the nutritional needs of the people. From the familiar cacao and vanilla to the odd-looking,  night-blooming pitaya,  Dr. Hellmuth will orient you to the interesting and exotic fruits and vegetables used by the Maya from pre-Columbian times through today.

4. Tomb of the Jade Jaguar: What it was like to be a Harvard student and Excavating the tomb of  the 9th century King of Tikal

It's Indiana Jones time. Dr. Hellmuth presents his experience and his"beginner's luck" in discovering one of the most richly stocked royal burials of the entire ancient Maya realm.

The Tomb of the Jade Jaguar at Tikal included the largest pyrite mosaic mirror yet found in all of Mesoamerica, the greatest number of pottery vessels of any Late Classic Maya burial known in the lowlands, and more jade jewelry than any tomb other than that of Pacal's of Palenque or in Temple I of Tikal.

Dr. Hellmuth will explain the scientific approach to such a find, as well as the "color commentary" - a month of painstaking excavation to tunnel deep into the pyramid; documentation of progress; ten days of analysis of how best to tackle recording the overfilled tomb chamber and its royal mortuary offerings; and of course, life in the jungle.

Savor the rare opportunity to hear about the discovery of a great king's burial chamber directly from the discoverer!

5. Sacred Ballgames of Mesoamerica: Iconography & Ballcourt Architecture

The ritual ballgames of the Maya and neighboring civilizations are the stuff of legend and of a steadily increasing body of fact. Dr Hellmuth, who has played the Maya ballgame himself (slightly modified rules!), will sort through the archaeology, architecture, evolving sociological and political theories of the game, and of course, the conduct and process of the game.

6. " Pyramid Temples & Palaces: Architectural History of the Pre-Columbian Maya"

Think of the Maya, and one of the first images that comes to mind is a pyramidal temple. Approaching the monumental architecture of the Maya can be done from the viewpoint of several disciplines. Dr. Hellmuth brings his learned work in architecture, archaeology, and anthropology, along with his expertise as a photographer and archivist, to this survey of Maya ritual and palace structures. He will illustrate his comments with a choice selection from his collection of more than 8000 images from Maya sites *and* he has promised to not show all 8000.

For additional information on the cruise lectures, contact Theresa Mazich M.D. theresa@geekcruises.com