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Aztec and Maya: An Illustrated History

The definitive chronicle of the ancient peoples of Central America and Mexico - including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Toltec and Zapotec
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Aztec and Maya: An Illustrated History offers a definitive chronicle of the ancient peoples of Central America and Mexico, including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Toltec, and Zapotec civilisations. Spanning nearly 3000 years, this large-format edition reveals the art, architecture, myths, and daily lives of these remarkable empires. From sun-gods and blood sacrifice to towering pyramids and golden treasuries, it unravels the true stories behind legend, highlighting the cultures’ achievements in astronomy, calendars, writing, and technology, alongside their fierce dedication to war and religious rituals. With over 1000 colour illustrations, photographs, maps, and plans, it showcases archaeological marvels and sites such as TenochtitlΓ‘n, ChichΓ©n ItzΓ‘, and Tikal, bringing to life the civic, military, and spiritual worlds of Mesoamerica’s pre-industrial peoples.
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Format: Hardback
$4999

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This richly illustrated and comprehensive history will engage readers interested in ancient civilisations, archaeology, and Mesoamerican culture, including students, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authoritative introduction to the Aztec and Maya worlds.

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An enthralling reference to the architecture, art, religion, myths and everyday life of the Aztec and Maya civilizations, in a new edition with 1000 images.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Aztec and Maya: An Illustrated History is the definitive chronicle of the ancient peoples of Central America and Mexico, including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Toltec, and Zapotec.

In a sumptuous new large-format edition, this wide-ranging reference book covers almost 3000 years of history, offering enthralling insights into the art and architecture, myths and legends, and everyday life of the many different empires of Central America and Mexico. Stories of sun-gods and blood sacrifice, of pyramids and temples, and of the fabulous treasuries filled with gold have fascinated many generations.

This book unravels the true facts behind the stories and looks at how myth and legends can tell us much about the cult of war in these pre-industrial nations. The magnificent architectural and cultural achievements of a succession of Mesoamerican peoplesβ€”the Olmecs, Maya, Zapotecs, Toltecs, Mixtec, and Aztecsβ€”cover almost 3000 years. These achievements range from the temple-pyramids and colossal stone carvings of the Olmecs to the awe-inspiring cities, vast trading networks, and complex religious societies of the Aztecs and Maya.

The World Heritage sites of historic Mexico City and Tenochtitlan, Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Tikal, and Monte Alban, are examined, giving life to the civic, military, and everyday world of the time. Archaeological finds and surviving documents provide intriguing insights into astronomy, the development of calendars, mathematics, writing, and the arts. They also reveal a grim commitment to war and a savage religious devotion to gods who demanded the blood of human sacrifice. Pottery and textiles, carvings, mosaics, and gold and metalwork show the technological innovations of these pre-industrial civilizations.

Superbly illustrated throughout, with more than 1000 colour photographs, artworks, maps, and plans, the book reveals every aspect of the history of these lost civilizations. This unrivalled volume is not only a perfect introduction to the subject but also a stunning visual record of a fascinating period that has helped to shape our world.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Tony Morrison, author and photographer, praises the book as one that "gets to the heart of the Maya and Aztec civilisations." He highlights how it stands "head and shoulders above others" by simplifying and enlivening the ancient world through clear, concise text supported by carefully selected illustrations. The book is described as both a thoroughly readable account and a valuable reference work.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780754834731

Publisher: Anness Publishing

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 June 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Lorenz Books

Illustration: 1000 photographs

Contributors:

  • Read by David Jones

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 282.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 512

About the Author

Charles Phillips is an established historical writer with a keen interest in the mythology and history of the great Maya and Aztec civilizations. A graduate of Oxford University, he holds an MA from the University of Westminster, London. Charles was a key writer on Time Life's Myth and Mankind series, and is the author of The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Kings & Queens of Britain (also published by Lorenz Books). He has contributed to several illustrated histories, including The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Tartan, Cassell's Dictionary of Modern Britain, and the Chronicle of Britain. Dr David M Jones, consultant, studied Anthropology and History at the University of California, Berkeley. He obtained a PhD in the Archaeology of the Americas at the Institute of Archaeology, University of London. Co-author of the Blue Guide Mexico, he wrote many articles on Mesoamerican and South American art for The Grove Dictionary of Art. He is the author of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Incas and the co-author of The Mythology of the Americas (both also published by Lorenz Books).

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