1951-

Australian archaeologist and epigrapher who specialized in Mayan hieroglyphics, writing systems, and linguistics. Dr. Mathews, a world-renowned Mayan archaeologist, made significant discoveries in Mesoamerica. Especially noteworthy was an altar discovery in El Cayo, Chiapas, Mexico, which almost led to his death when local bandits and looters attacked and robbed his team in 1997. He authored numerous essays, articles, and books on Mayan art and iconography and hieroglyphic inscriptions. With Linda Schele (1942-1998), Mathews was considered one of the first Mayan glyph decoders.