In this talk based on the recently published book Calculating Brilliance: An Intellectual History of Mayan Astronomy at Chich’en Itza (2022), Prof. Gerardo Aldana will reflect on the effort to understand indigenous math and science from unique Mayan hieroglyphic written records, as refracted by philosophical and cosmological concerns. He will examine the case of a historical event from the Terminal Classic period Chich’en Itza, attested in texts, iconography, in song and in oral history–and will argue how, through this study, we will encounter alter-native interpretations of the archaeological record and confront an indigenous cosmological humility carrying particular meaning and utility within our challenging contemporary global contexts.
This event is free, open to the public, and wheelchair accessible. For more information or accommodations, please email latinxresearch@berkeley.edu