This book provides theory, comparison, and synthesis to establish a carefully considered framework for approaching the study of courts and their functions throughout the world of the ancient Maya. It is based on the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association.

Preface -- Obituary, Floyd Lounsbury -- Introduction -- Opening the Royal Maya Court -- Theoretical and Thematic Approaches -- King's People -- Peopling the Classic Maya Court -- Perspectives on Actors, Gender Roles, and Architecture at Classic Maya Courts and Households -- Spatial Dimensions of Maya Courtly Life -- Court and Realm -- Classic Maya Concepts of the Royal Court -- Comparative Views and Conclusions -- Aztec Noble Courts -- Concluding Remarks