Organized into five neat chapters with an appendix of key dates, Spearthrower Owl proposes the prominent historical figure of the same name, cited in Early Classic period inscriptions of Tikal, might have been a ruler at Teotihuacan, a vast Mexican archaeological complex northeast of Mexico City. Stuart laid out the argument in a paper nearly 25 years ago, and this book expands upon his theories with never-before-presented evidence. His interest in the figure stretches back to early-career work at Copán.
The book explores the discovery and interpretation of key hieroglyphic texts, which Stuart deftly deciphers, offering a new perspective on Maya political dynamics and the Teotihuacan influence over the region. A detailed analysis of murals, pottery, and inscriptions creates a vivid picture of how Mexican city-state Teotihuacan left its mark on Maya culture. It closely examines the Entrada of Jan. 16, 378 through the lens of newer discoveries and historical interpretations. This well-researched, nuanced book brings together archaeology, epigraphy, and iconography to shed light on this important figure in the dynastic politics of the Maya Lowlands, who ruled from A.D. 374 to 439.
Stuart also provides a compelling narrative of how Spearthrower Owl’s legacy may have shaped subsequent Maya rulers and the wider cultural landscape. He argues that the interactions between these two ancient civilizations were not merely sporadic, but deeply influential, changing the trajectory of Maya political and religious practices. Overall, this volume is an insightful contribution to Mesoamerican studies, blending rigorous scholarship with an engaging storytelling accessible to both scholars and general readers interested in the ancient Americas.
