The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of The Aztec And Maya

A highly accessible and authoritative popular history of Mesoamerica and its ancient peoples, fully illustrated with over 500 photographs.

This definitive reference offers enthralling insights into the art and architecture, myths and legends, and everyday life of the people of Mexico and Central America.

REFERENCE WORKS. This book offers an examination of the history, myths and legends of the peoples of Mesoamerica spanning almost 3000 years. Stories of sun-gods and blood sacrifice, of pyramids and temples, and of the fabulous treasuries of gold raided by the Spaniards have enthralled generations of readers. Architectural and cultural achievements range from the temple-pyramids and stone carvings of the Olmecs to the cities, trading networks and religious societies and systems of the Aztecs and Maya. This book contains startling revelations about the ancient peoples of Central America, including histories of the lands they conquered, the cities they built and the world they developed.

A comprehensive guide to the gods and goddesses, spirits and demons, myths and legends of Mexico and Central America.

"Explore the architecture of ancient Mexico and Central America, and discover the fabulous arts and crafts, sculptures, metalwork and textiles of these great pre-industrial civilizations"--Cover.

The myths of the Aztec and Maya derive from a shared Mesoamerican cultural tradition. This is very much a living tradition, and many of the motifs and gods mentioned in early sources are still evoked in the lore of contemporary Mexico and Guatemala. Professor Taube discusses the different sources for Aztec and Maya myths. The Aztec empire began less than 200 years before the Spanish conquest, and our knowledge of their mythology derives primarily from native colonial documents and manuscripts commissioned by the Spanish. The Maya mythology is far older, and our knowledge of it comes mainly from native manuscripts of the Classic period, over 600 years before the Spanish conquest. Drawing on these sources as well as nineteenth- and twentieth-century excavations and research, including the interpretation of the codices and the decipherment of Maya hieroglyphic writing, the author discusses, among other things, the Popol Vuh myths of the Maya, the flood myth of Northern Yucatan, and the Aztec creation myths.

A fascinating journey into the past with hands-on projects bringing history to life, illustrated throughout.