George Stuart (born 1929, died 2014) was an American archaeologist, explorer, writer, and cartographer specializing in the Maya civilization. He made significant contributions to the understanding of Mayan hieroglyphs and epigraphy.
Stuart’s career spanned several decades at the National Geographic Society, where he worked as a staff archaeologist and served in various editorial roles. He was instrumental in popularizing Mayan archaeology through his accessible writing and groundbreaking research. His work helped to demystify Mayan glyphs and brought a greater appreciation for the complexities of Mayan culture to a wider audience.
One of Stuart's key achievements was his role in deciphering Mayan writing. He collaborated with his father, the archaeologist George E. Stuart, and later with linguists and other scholars to decode the phonetic components of the Mayan hieroglyphic script. His work contributed to a better understanding of Mayan history, mythology, and calendrical systems.
Stuart was also known for his meticulous fieldwork and exploration in the jungles of Mesoamerica. He explored and documented previously unrecorded Mayan sites, providing valuable data for further research. His research extended to other areas as well, including the study of early maps and cartography.
Stuart authored and co-authored numerous books and articles on the Maya, including Secrets from the Past and Lost Kingdoms of the Maya. These publications are notable for their detailed scholarship and engaging narrative style, making them essential resources for both scholars and general readers interested in the Maya civilization. He was a respected figure in the field of Mayan studies and his legacy continues to inspire archaeologists and researchers today.