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This study illustrates the latest archaeological finds that force a revision of old theories on the beginnings of Maya civilization. It focuses largely on two newly discovered early cities in the eastern part of the Peten, Cival and Holmul, the location of spectacular finds by the author, as well as recent discoveries by other Mayanists at San Bartolo, Nakbe, El Mirador and Tikal. These discoveries, including writing, monumental art and architecture, as well as dense settlements, reveal a sophisticated Preclassic Maya civilization which reached its peak around AD 100.