How did the decipherment of Maya writing change knowledge of Maya history?

The decipherment of Maya hieroglyphic writing fundamentally transformed the understanding of Maya history by shifting the perception of inscriptions from purely religious or calendric texts to detailed historical records.12

Before the mid-20th century, scholars widely believed that the writing system was entirely logographic and that the inscriptions were primarily religious in nature. However, the work of linguists and researchers—most notably Yury Knorozov, who demonstrated the phonetic nature of the script, and scholars like Tatiana Prouskouriakoff—revealed that the texts recorded specific events in the lives of Maya rulers and their families.123

This breakthrough provided a new, evidence-based picture of Maya civilization, revealing:
* Political History: Inscriptions documented the reigns, lineages, and political activities of kings and queens, debunking the long-held misconception that Maya society was a simple theocracy.14
* Warfare and Diplomacy: Translations showed that warfare was a central preoccupation of Maya lords, often aimed at territorial expansion and the capture of individuals for slavery and sacrifice.4
* Social Structure: The texts clarified the roles of the ruling elite and their associations with specific places or polities.14