We found a large number of books in these characters and, as they contained nothing in which were not to be seen as superstition and lies of the devil, we burned them all, which they regretted to an amazing degree, and which caused them much affliction.
-- Yucatan Before and After the Conquest (1562) written by Bishop Diego de Landa who hosted mass book burnings
Ironically though, de Landa's curiosity about the Maya language ultimately led to its translation in modern times. Without the written 'alphabet' that he had a Maya scribe write down for him at the time, it's likely that Maya script would still be a mystery cipher.
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Ironically though, de Landa's curiosity about the Maya language ultimately led to its translation in modern times. Without the written 'alphabet' that he had a Maya scribe write down for him at the time, it's likely that Maya script would still be a mystery cipher.