The iconography of power among the Classic Maya

Abstract

The paper is restricted to three topics: the way the Maya ruling class used iconography and writing to establish its credentials; the way they contrasted conqueror and conquered; and the way realism was employed to distinguish the ruler and the ruled. Comparisons are made with the Zapotec centre of Monte Albán which emphasize that other archaic Mesoamerican states displayed themes of militarism and power.