How have modern scholars learned much of their information about the Maya?

Archaeologist have studied many of the ancient cities of the Mayas such as, Tikal,Calakumul and Copan. They studied the glyps left behind.

Hope this helps.

the minoan civilization flourished in the middle bronze age on the island of crete located in the eastern mediterranean from c. 2000 bce until c. 1500 bce. with their unique art and architecture, and the spread of their ideas through contact with other cultures across the aegean, the minoans made a significant contribution to the development of western european civilization as it is known today. labyrinth-like palace complexes, vivid frescoes depicting scenes such as bull-leaping and processions, fine gold jewelry, elegant stone vases, and pottery with vibrant decorations of marine life are all particular features of minoan crete.  

so basically their unique way of ding arts, as well as architecture.

john social contacted the noble of religous