Sylvanus Morley
American archaeologist, epigrapher, Mayanist scholar, and WWI spy for the U.S. (1883-1948) · United States · On the map · Academics · Died at 65
Sylvanus Griswold Morley was an American archaeologist and epigrapher who studied the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in the early 20th century.
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A typical day, 30 days to 18 June 2026
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A Chac Mool statue, first identified by le Plongeon but later extensively documented by Morley's Chichen Itza excavations. This type of statue (whose purpose remains unclear, presumed to relate to ritual sacrifice) is also characteristic of Toltec sites, and thus provided a linkage between Chichen Itza and Central Mexico.
The "Temple of the Warriors", excavated by Morley's team. The rows of the "Thousand Columns" can be seen in its foreground, and extending off to the right.
Columnar statues in the form known as the "Atlantean figures" or "Atlantids", representing Toltec warriors. The examples shown here are from the Toltec site of Tula (Tollan), north of Mexico City; similar examples and styles found at Chichen Itza by Morley provided further evidence of Maya cultural exchange with central Mexico.Awards
About this person
Morley led extensive excavations of the Maya site of Chichen Itza on behalf of the Carnegie Institution and published several large compilations and treatises on Maya hieroglyphic writing. He also wrote popular accounts on the Maya for a general audience.
Country
United States
Category
Academics
Type
Academic
Status
Deceased
Dates
Lived 1883 to 1948 · aged 65
