Mesoamerican Time by Kaia Stonebrook

Mesoamerican Time explores the fascinating origins and evolution of ancient Mesoamerican calendars, revealing how societies without advanced technology developed remarkably precise timekeeping systems.
The book traces these systems from the Olmecs and Zapotecs to the more well-known Maya and Aztecs, demonstrating how these calendars were integral to religious beliefs, agricultural practices, and political structures.
Intriguingly, these calendars were not just about tracking days; they were deeply intertwined with understanding the cosmos, and the book highlights how the 260-day Tzolkin ritual calendar, and the 365-day Haab solar calendar worked together.

The book emphasizes the foundational contributions of the Olmecs and Zapotecs, often overlooked in favor of the Maya.
It examines the Long Count calendar and other systems, presenting historical context, Mesoamerican mathematics, and hieroglyphic writing to explain their complexity.
By analyzing stelae inscriptions, monumental art, and archaeological site layouts, the book progresses from introducing basic concepts to exploring the specific contributions of each civilization, ultimately examining the enduring legacy and modern relevance of these ingenious systems.