"This is the first book to examine the roles of plazas in ancient Mesoamerica. It argues persuasively that physical interactions among people in communal events were not the outcomes of political machinations held behind the scenes, but were the actual political processes through which people created, negotiated, and subverted social realities"--

Describes the ancient Maya ruins of Palenque, Mexico, discusses the archaeological discoveries that have been made there, and explains how the local Indians may provide clues that might help to reveal their ancestors' history.