The Mysterious Mayan Ruins

Researching the Mayan ruins was such fun and very intriguing. I needed to know some Mayan history before I could write my next novel, which would be a mystery/suspense. Did you know that not one pyramid on this American continent reaches an apex like the Egyptian pyramids? The tops were cut flat and a sacred building was placed on top. In Egypt, the pyramids were used as burial tombs, but in America they were used to worship God. Since they were built for religious purposes, that is why they call them temples.

Scientists have found both Hebrew and Egyptian influences in Mexico. It’s puzzling, but it’s true. Dr. Marett, a great archaeologist, excavated a tomb at Monte Alban in Mexico. He found two five-foot-tall stone carvings. One carving was Hebrew art and the other was Egyptian. They were both made from the same material and found in the same tomb. There seems to be Egyptian and Hebrew influences here in America.

Dr. Spinden of Peabody Institute and Dr. Morley of Carnegie Institute deciphered the writings on a stone found in that region. What they discovered was amazing. Dr. Spinden wrote, “With records cut in imperishable stone, the Mayas suddenly made their appearance upon the historical scene on August 6, 613 B.C. Why on August 6, 613 B.C.? Where were the Mayas on August 5th? Nobody knows.” (Spinden, Ancient Civilizations of Mexico and Central America. Page 12.) Since there were no land migrations, such as tracks or markings left behind, Dr. Spinden was confused where they had come from.

An archaeologist by the name of Hyatt Verrill had heard about a “Golden Book” that the Mayans claimed to have. He wrote: “According to tradition, a complete history of the Maya was recorded in the Golden Book of the Mayas which, if it actually existed, as it probably did, was so carefully hidden to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Spaniards that it never has been found.” (Verrill, America’s Ancient Civilizations.) I discovered something else that surprised me. Plates of gold were found among the ruins in a cenote (a deep sunken hole full of water).

In one of the Indian legends, they say that a White Bearded God appeared to them from the sky and taught them to be wise as serpents and harmless as birds. As I learned about the Mayan culture, I was intrigued by their belief in God and their intelligence. Shortly before the White Bearded God appeared to them, there were “frightful earthquakes” and “volcanic fires” from long ago that struck fear into the Mayan people.

Here are a few quotes from scholars, scientists, archaeologists, and historians:

“The sun and moon were eclipsed, the earth shook and the rocks were rent asunder, and many other things and signs happened. This was in the year CeCalli, which, the chronology being reduced to our system, proves to be the same date when Christ our Lord suffered, 33 A.D.” (Bancroft, Native Races. Vol. 5, Page 210.)

“The land was shaken by frightful earthquakes, and the waves of the sea combined with volcanic fires to overwhelm and engulf it. Most of the inhabitants were destroyed.” (Baldwin, Ancient America. Page 176.)

“The lava swept down from Mt. Ajusco in some cataclysm, covering many square miles of territory to a depth of thirty or forty feet and burying such villages as chanced to lie in its path.” (Spinden, Ancient Civilizations of Mexico and Central America. Page 49.)

After all this destruction, the White Bearded God appeared. With faith in God, the Mayans rebuilt their cities and roads and began anew.

Mayan Intrigue has humor, a touch of romance, and danger lurking in shadowy corners. With a blend of mystery and suspense, John and Julia Evans investigate and solve crimes. I have created a story based upon the adventures of a married couple with their three daughters.

In this mystery, the discovery of a priceless artifact puts Julia's life in great danger! While on assignment for the newspaper, John and Julia Evans try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins. When Julia sees a couple of suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it is too late. The men have seen her. Before John and Julia realize what is going on, they are both in danger and find themselves running for their lives through the jungles of the Yucatan.

The John and Julia Evans mystery series includes Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan Intrigue, Montezuma Intrigue, and Desert Intrigue.

-->

Anasazi Intrigue – An Adventure In Color Country

In Anasazi Intrigue, there are stolen artifacts, the Virgin River flood, and a snoopy newspaper reporter.

When a devastating flood wipes out homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of a possible poison spill that also kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. The people don’t know what to think or do, until Julia, the town's newest reporter, jumps into action and begins her investigation. Quickly Julia realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. As information unfolds, Julia and her husband find themselves on the run, trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime. She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.

“This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Weaver Clarke and I’m already hooked,” wrote Socrates Book Review. “The first pages grab you right in and grab at your heartstrings as you read about the destruction caused by the flood. When Julia and John fight for their lives, readers will be on the edge of their seats for this one. There’s also romance in the mix. John and Julia’s marriage is strong and they are quite supportive of each other. Even when they have their ups and downs, it’s not for long and they get right back into each other’s arms. It’s nice to see a relationship portrayed this way. Very realistic and believable. This series is a “must read” for me. And...my Socrates Great Book Alert Award!”

There are two subjects discussed in this novel: The Santa Clara/Virgin River Flood and stolen artifacts. The mystery of the Anasazi Indians boggles the minds of many archaeologists. Ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and pottery found in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico are fantastic and part of Anasazi history. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to take it apart. Archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year.

The second subject brings out what really happened during the flooding in southern Utah. Lost homes can be replaced, but it’s impossible to replace precious treasures that had no value to anyone but the owner, such as photos and memories of the past. The stories of hope, charity, and little miracles seem to uplift others and have a wonderful effect on people during a crisis such as this. Clarke’s novel brings out what really happened in St George, Utah but the mystery is just beginning.

“John and Julia Evans are a married couple with grown children. It's nice to see a romantic element to a story that involves mature adults and a marriage that is not perfect, but one in which both people are committed to making it work. Add to that their grown children, a friend of the family, and a group of interesting bad guys, and you have a recipe for a great read.” –The Book Connection

“Anasazi Intrigue” (ISBN: 978-1481266864, 2nd edition, Red Mountain Shadows Publishing). For more information, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

The Mystery Behind Artifact Theft

Ancient American artifacts are being sold to the highest bidder. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to find out about it.

In one of my blog posts, I wrote about the challenge of writing mysteries. This time we're going to talk about the mystery behind artifact theft. Archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year but Utah’s vandalism is the worst in the country. Theft at the Four Corners area of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona is still a big problem. The damage to these sites is estimated at almost $42,000 in two year’s time. An ancient funeral pit can be sold for as high as sixty thousand dollars on the black market, not to mention pottery, baskets, and pendants found by looters.

An article in the Associated Press said, “Two dozen people were indicted Wednesday after a sweeping undercover investigation into ancient artifacts stolen from public and tribal lands in the Four Corners area.” (Associated Press, Mike Stark, June 11, 2009)

There were around 300 federal agents that were involved in the arrest of both men and women from ages twenty-seven to seventy-eight. They were all part of an underground network. In fact, archaeological theft has gone corporate. They even pay rent on private property in order to dig without being caught. Unfortunately there is no law to prevent digging on private property.

An article in the Las Vegas Sun Newspaper was published about a couple men who were loading some artifacts in the trunk of their car. A ranger saw what they were doing and questioned them, not realizing he had accidentally stumbled upon the largest operation around. The article said they recovered more than 11,100 relics.

Did you know that people are actually selling shards and arrowheads on websites? The Anasazi culture is being sold to the highest bidder. Is there anything that can be done to protect America’s past?

This subject was so intriguing to me that I sat down and began writing. My mystery series surrounds the theft of artifacts. In Anasazi Intrigue, it all begins with a devastating flood, which takes out several homes in a small town in southern Utah. Julia Evans, the town's newest reporter, is shocked by the news of a poison spill that kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. Intrigued, she jumps into action and begins her investigation. It doesn't take long until Julia realizes the story and investigation are much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. Julia and her husband find themselves on the run, trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime. She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.

The Evans are not the ordinary couple. Together they investigate and solve crimes. You laugh at the humor and sigh at the romance. Just sprinkle in three grown daughters, and you have quite a mixture. This novel has good values along with a little suspense and adventure. The John and Julia Evans mystery series includes Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan Intrigue, Montezuma Intrigue, and Desert Intrigue.