John Lloyd Stephens was an American explorer, writer, and diplomat who is best known for his exploration of the ancient ruins of Central America and Mexico. He was born in New Jersey in 1805 and was educated at Columbia College. After graduating, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1827.
Stephens was an avid traveler and explorer, and his first journey was to Europe in 1834. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting France, Italy, Greece, and Egypt. He was particularly interested in the ancient ruins of the Mediterranean, and he wrote extensively about his travels in his book Incidents of Travel in Greece, Turkey, Russia, and Poland.
In 1839, Stephens and his friend, artist Frederick Catherwood, set out on an expedition to Central America and Mexico. They traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula, where they explored the ancient Mayan ruins of Copan, Palenque, and Uxmal. Stephens wrote about his experiences in his book Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan.
Stephens and Catherwood also explored the ruins of the Aztec civilization in Mexico. They visited the ancient city of Teotihuacan, and Stephens wrote about his experiences in his book Incidents of Travel in Yucatan. Stephens and Catherwood also explored the ruins of the ancient city of Chichen Itza, which Stephens described as “the most remarkable ruins in the world.”
Stephens and Catherwood's explorations of Central America and Mexico were groundbreaking, and their books were widely read and influential. Stephens' books helped to popularize the study of ancient civilizations, and his work inspired other explorers to visit the ruins of Central America and Mexico.
In addition to his explorations, Stephens was also a diplomat. He served as the U.S. Minister to Central America from 1849 to 1851, and he was instrumental in negotiating the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, which established the neutrality of the Panama Canal.
Stephens died in 1852, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the most important explorers of the 19th century, and his books remain popular today. His explorations of Central America and Mexico helped to popularize the study of ancient civilizations, and his diplomatic work helped to shape the history of the region. Stephens' legacy is one of exploration, discovery, and diplomacy, and his work continues to inspire travelers and explorers today.