Diego de Landa is known for his actions during the Spanish colonization of the Yucatan in the 16th century. While he made efforts to document Mayan culture, he also conducted an extensive and controversial campaign to suppress indigenous practices, including the burning of numerous Mayan texts and codices. As a result, a significant amount of Mayan literature and knowledge was lost.
The destruction of Mayan codices and other cultural artifacts during this time was undoubtedly a setback for later historians and archaeologists. It limited their access to primary sources and made it more challenging to understand various aspects of Mayan culture, including their writing system and historical records. However, it is important to note that the loss of Mayan codices cannot be solely attributed to de Landa's actions. Other factors, such as the passage of time, natural decay, and the destructive consequences of colonization, also contributed to the loss of historical Mayan texts.
In recent times, historians and archaeologists have made significant progress in deciphering Mayan hieroglyphics and understanding Mayan culture through the study of remaining codices, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence. Nonetheless, the actions of individuals like de Landa, who played a role in the destruction of Mayan cultural heritage, undoubtedly had an impact on hindering the full understanding of Mayan civilization.