Geoffrey King, a pioneering archaeologist who transformed understanding of the ancient Maya civilisation, has died aged 87.
Early life and career
Born in London in 1939, King studied archaeology at Cambridge University. He began his fieldwork in Central America in the 1960s, focusing on the Maya lowlands of Guatemala and Mexico.
Key discoveries
King led excavations at the site of Tikal, uncovering major temples and palaces. His work helped date the Classic Maya period and revealed the complexity of Maya urban centres. He also pioneered the use of aerial photography in archaeology.
Legacy
King published extensively, including the influential book The Maya: A New Perspective. He taught at several universities and mentored a generation of archaeologists. He is survived by his wife and two children.
