John Lloyd Stephens

John Lloyd Stephens (1805–1852) was an American explorer, writer, and diplomat known for his significant contributions to the discovery and documentation of ancient Mayan civilization in Central America. His travels in the 19th century, particularly in places like Guatemala and Honduras, revealed lost cities, including Copán and Palenque. Stephens published detailed accounts of his journeys in books such as "Incidents of Travel in Central America," which captivated the public and sparked interest in archaeology and anthropology. His work helped lay the foundation for modern Maya studies and highlighted the importance of cultural heritage preservation.