Stephens, John Lloyd (1805-1852), was an American explorer and writer who aroused wide interest in the ancient Maya civilization of Central America. Stephens visited the Maya ruins twice between 1839 and 1841 and wrote two books about his adventures and observations. These books featured beautifully written descriptions of the ruins, and they became best sellers. Until Stephens’ explorations, the Maya civilization had been almost unknown.
Stephens was not trained in archaeology and did little digging at the Maya ruins. Nevertheless, his explorations established the Maya civilization as a subject of archaeological study. Stephens’ books included excellent illustrations by Frederick Catherwood, an English artist who traveled to Central America with him.
Stephens was born in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, on Nov. 28, 1805. He graduated from law school and started to practice in New York City. He eventually became involved in politics, and President Martin Van Buren assigned him to make a diplomatic trip to Central America. There Stephens saw the Maya ruins for the first time. He died on Oct. 12, 1852.
