James L. Fitzsimmons

James L. Fitzsimmons is a Professor of Anthropology at Middlebury College, where he delivers courses on the anthropology of death, the rise of complex societies in Mesoamerica, and the origins of writing. As an epigrapher and an archaeologist, Fitzsimmons has more than 25 years of experience studying ancient Maya politics, religion, and social organization. He has either directed or been a member of several archaeological projects in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and the United States. Fitzsimmons holds a BS in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from Tulane University as well as an MA and PhD from Harvard University; he is also the author or editor of six books on the ancient Americas on topics ranging from death to politics to war.