Download or read book Archaeology of Ancient Mexico and Central America written by Susan Toby Evans and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2001 with total page 1322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This reference is devoted to the pre-Columbian archaeology of the Mesoamerican culture area, one of the six cradles of early civilization. It features in-depth articles on the major cultural areas of ancient Mexico and Central America; coverage of important sites, including the world-renowned discoveries as well as many lesser-known locations; articles on day-to-day life of ancient peoples in these regions; and several bandw regional and site maps and photographs. Entries are arranged alphabetically and cover introductory archaeological facts (flora, fauna, human growth and development, nonorganic resources), chronologies of various periods (Paleoindian, Archaic, Formative, Classic and Postclassic, and Colonial), cultural features, Maya, regional summaries, research methods and resources, ethnohistorical methods and sources, and scholars and research history. Edited by archaeologists Evans and Webster, both of whom are associated with Pennsylvania State University. c. Book News Inc.

Download or read book The Aztec Myths A Guide to the Ancient Stories and Legends Myths written by Camilla Townsend and published by Thames & Hudson. This book was released on 2024-06-04 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The essential guide to the world of Aztec mythology, based on Nahuatl-language sources that challenge the colonial history passed down to us by the Spanish. From their remote origins as migrating tribes to their rise as builders of empire, the Aztecs were among the most dynamic and feared peoples of ancient Mexico, with a belief system that was one of the most complex and vital in the ancient world. Historian Camilla Townsend returns to the original tales, told at the fireside by generations of Indigenous Nahuatl speakers. Along the way, she deals with human sacrifice, the raising of great temples, and the troubling legacy of the Spanish conquest. Few cultures are generally understood to have been so controlled by their religion as the Aztecs, and few religions are envisioned as being as violent and celebratory of death as theirs. In this introduction to the Aztec myths, Townsend draws from sixteenth-century historical annals and songs written down by Nahuatl-speaking peoples, now known as the Aztecs, in their own language to counter this narrative, inherited from the conquering Spaniards. In doing so, she reveals a rich tapestry of mythic tradition that defies modern expectations. Townsend retells stories ranging from the creation of the world, revealing the Aztec cosmological vision of nature and the divine, to legends of the Aztecs’ own past that show how they understood the foundation of their state and the course of their wars. She considers the impact of colonial contact on the myths and demonstrates that Indigenous engagement with the new cultural customs introduced by the Europeans never entirely uprooted old ways of thinking.

Download or read book Exploring Ancient Skies written by David H. Kelley and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2005-12-06 with total page 623 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exploring Ancient Skies brings together the methods of archaeology and the insights of modern astronomy to explore the science of astronomy as it was practiced in various cultures prior to the invention of the telescope. The book reviews an enormous and growing body of literature on the cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, the Far East, and the New World (particularly Mesoamerica), putting the ancient astronomical materials into their archaeological and cultural contexts. The authors begin with an overview of the field and proceed to essential aspects of naked-eye astronomy, followed by an examination of specific cultures. The book concludes by taking into account the purposes of ancient astronomy: astrology, navigation, calendar regulation, and (not least) the understanding of our place and role in the universe. Skies are recreated to display critical events as they would have appeared to ancient observers - events such as the supernova of 1054, the 'lion horoscope' or the 'Star of Bethlehem.' Exploring Ancient Skies provides a comprehensive overview of the relationships between astronomy and other areas of human investigation. It will be useful as a reference for scholars and students in both astronomy and archaeology, and will be of compelling interest to readers who seek a broad understanding of our collective intellectual history.

Download or read book Echoes of the Ancient Skies written by E. C. Krupp and published by Courier Corporation. This book was released on 2012-03-15 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Popular, authoritative look at the world of archaeoastronomy, the study of ancient peoples' observation of the skies and its role in their cultural evolution. 208 illustrations.

Download or read book Ancient Mexican History written by A.J. Kingston and published by A.J. Kingston. This book was released on 101-01-01 with total page 310 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 🌄 Explore the Wonders of Ancient Mexican History 🌄 Unearth the mysteries of Mexico's ancient civilizations with our captivating book bundle, "Ancient Mexican History: Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Toltec, & Aztec Civilizations." This six-book collection will transport you to a world of enigmatic cultures, architectural marvels, and rich legacies that continue to shape Mexico today. 📚 Book 1 - The Enigma of the Olmec: Mexico's Ancient Founders (1500 BCE - 400 BCE) Discover the enigmatic Olmec civilization, the ancient founders of Mexico, and unravel the secrets behind their colossal stone heads and cultural contributions. 🌿 Book 2 - Maya Mastery: Unveiling the Secrets of a Flourishing Civilization (2000 BCE - 1500 CE) Journey through the thriving world of the Maya civilization, renowned for its celestial observations, intricate hieroglyphs, and advanced city-states. 🏙️ Book 3 - Teotihuacan: City of the Gods (100 BCE - 750 CE) Step into the awe-inspiring city of Teotihuacan, where pyramids touch the sky, murals tell stories, and mysteries abound. Uncover the art, culture, and decline of this ancient metropolis. 🏞️ Book 4 - Zapotec Resilience: A Journey Through Ancient Oaxaca (500 BCE - 800 CE) Embark on a journey through the rugged landscapes of ancient Oaxaca and explore the innovative Zapotec civilization, their writing system, and enduring cultural impact. ⚔️ Book 5 - Toltec Warriors: Rise and Fall of an Empire (900 CE - 1200 CE) Witness the rise and fall of the mighty Toltec Empire, known for its military prowess and religious significance, and delve into the world of Quetzalcoatl. 👑 Book 6 - Aztec Ascendancy: From Humble Beginnings to Imperial Might (1325 CE - 1521 CE) Follow the epic tale of the Aztec Empire, from its humble origins on Tenochtitlan to its imperial dominance in Central Mexico. Witness the arrival of the Spanish and the pivotal moment in Mesoamerican history. 🎁 Why Choose This Book Bundle? · A comprehensive exploration of six distinct ancient Mexican civilizations. · Engaging narratives that bring history to life. · Richly illustrated with images of ancient artifacts, art, and architecture. · Immerse yourself in the captivating stories, mysteries, and legacies of these remarkable cultures. · Perfect for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone fascinated by the rich history of Mexico. 🌟 Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of time and uncover the secrets of ancient Mexico. Order "Ancient Mexican History" now and immerse yourself in the wonders of Mesoamerican civilizations. 🌟

Download or read book Ancient Lives written by Brian M. Fagan and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-01-20 with total page 527 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Theory and Methods in Archaeology and Prehistory Written for complete beginners in a narrative style, Ancient Lives is aimed at introductory courses in archaeology and prehistory that cover archaeological methods and theory, as well as world prehistory. The first half of Ancient Lives covers the basic principles, methods, and theoretical approaches of archaeology. The second half is devoted to a summary of the major developments of human prehistory: the origins of humankind and the archaic world, the origins and spread of modern humans, the emergence of food production, and the beginnings of civilization. Learning Goals Upon completing this book, readers should be able to: Understand the basic principles of archaeology Summarize the major developments of human prehistory

Download or read book The Ancient Maya written by Heather McKillop and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2004-08-19 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thanks to powerful innovations in archaeology and other types of historical research, we now have a picture of everyday life in the Mayan empire that turns the long-accepted conventional wisdom on its head. Ranging from the end of the Ice Age to the flourishing of Mayan culture in the first millennium to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, The Ancient Maya takes a fresh look at a culture that has long held the public's imagination. Originally thought to be peaceful and spiritual, the Mayans are now also known to have been worldly, bureaucratic, and violent. Debates and unanswered questions linger. Mayan expert Heather McKillop shows our current understanding of the Maya, explaining how interpretations of "dirt archaeology," hieroglyphic inscriptions, and pictorial pottery are used to reconstruct the lives of royalty, artisans, priests, and common folk. She also describes the innovative focus on the interplay of the people with their environments that has helped further unravel the mystery of the Mayans' rise and fall.

Download or read book Ancient Secrets of the Goddesses written by Velva Dawn Silver-Hughes and published by Balboa Press. This book was released on 2011-09-07 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ancient Secrets of the Goddesses offers healing to the feminine and masculine energies of the world. The wisdom of thirty-three powerful goddesses appears alongside Velva Dawns own story of how she used the energy from each goddess to heal her emotional wounds. Each goddess carries a powerful energy that can be used to heal ones soul, and this book weaves multidimensional energy with the energies of all of the goddesses. Both a spiritual adventure and guide, this book links crystals and affirmations with each goddess, listing the aura colors of the goddesses to help you identify which goddess may be around you. The book may magically open up for you and show all of the goddesses reaching out to connect with you in a loving way. By exploring the goddess energy and using these sacred healing meditations and words, one will connect with the divine feminine while empowering the feminine within oneself. Readers can find more information at Velva Dawns website,www.velvadawn.com. Through the guidance of these mythic bearers of feminine wisdom, this book will take you on an inward journey of self-discovery and healing. Savor every word. I highly recommend this book. Colette Baron-Reid, number-one bestselling author of The Map: Finding the Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life I am honored to have worked with Velva Dawn and the goddesses, and I have seen first hand the healing effects, empowerment, and fulfillment that comes forth when you invite the divine goddess energy into your daily life. Ancient Secrets of the Goddesses author, Velva Dawn Silver Hughes has captured the loving energy and vibrations of these divine beings. This book activates feminine empowerment and enlightens your soul, preparing you for a new and exciting level of spiritual growth. Kathy Huber

Download or read book The Ancient Cities of the New World written by Désiré Charnay and published by New York, Harper & brothers. This book was released on 1887 with total page 590 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Born in France, Charnay (1828-1915) travelled extensively through commissions from the French government and with private patronage. He made several visits to the region between 1857 and 1886, producing in his work both a journal of his adventures and an archaeological examination of past civilizations. Beginning in Mexico, Charnay notably examines the ancient city of Tula and also the history of Yucatán, discussing aspects of Toltec and Mayan culture. He explores the ruins of Chichen Itza, Kabah and Yaxchilan (which Charnay dubbed 'Lorillard Town' after a benefactor), among many other settlements. Surveying art, pyramid architecture, ancient customs and history based on extant sources, this account was a major contribution in its field and remains of interest to scholars of Latin American archaeology.

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities written by Charles Russell Coulter and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2021-12-06 with total page 609 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout history, humans have pondered the question of their existence. In nearly every society, part of the answer has included some form of god or goddess. For the Mayans, one such deity was Ajtzak, who tried to create humans from wood; for the Yorubas of Africa, Shango controlled the thunder and lightning. The Chinese of the Shang dynasty era worshipped Shang Ti. Evil deities were also part of the answer, as in the case of the Kuvera, the Hindu chief of evil in the Vedic period, and Tu, the Persian or Islamic demon of fatal accidents. All of the known ancient gods, many heretofore obscure or known only from mythological literature, are included in this exhaustive reference work. The focus is on their origins, histories, and functions. The people who believed in each deity are identified, along with alternate names or spellings both old and modern. The descriptions that follow are of the functions, origins and physical nature of the deities. Extensive cross references are provided for alternate spellings and names.

Download or read book Mysteries of Ancient South America written by Harold T. Wilkins and published by Adventures Unlimited Press. This book was released on 2000 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The reprint of Wilkin's classic book on the megaliths and mysteries of South America. This book predates Wilkin's book Secret Cities of Old South America published in 1952. Mysteries of Ancient South America was first published in 1947 and is considered a classic book of its kind. With diagrams, photographs and maps, Wilkins digs into old manuscripts and books to bring us some truly amazing stories of South America: a bizarre subterranean tunnel system; lost cities in the remote border jungles of Brazil; legends of Atlantis in South America; cataclysmic changes that shaped South America; and other strange stories from one of the world's greatest researchers.

Download or read book Exploring Ancient Native America written by David Hurst Thomas and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 1999 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This guide combines field research with accounts of tribal life to offer a new perspective on Native American history, culture and ritual. Covering nine million square miles and 25,000 years, it includes: insights into prehistoric early native cultures; information on more than 400 prehistoric sites; and contributions from Native American scholars, poets, and activists.

Download or read book The Totally Gross History of Ancient Mesoamerica written by Abbie Mercer and published by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. This book was released on 2015-12-15 with total page 50 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bloody sacrifices, disgusting diets, and shocking religious rituals are some of the gruesome aspects of the totally gross history of Mesoamerica. Concise and entertaining, this text covers some of the more nauseating facts about pre-Columbian Mesoamerica (the region spanning Central America). The gruesome details about the Mesoamerican diet, religion, and medicine will shock readers. But beyond the ickiness, this fascinating title also introduces its audience to the significant contributions of this important culture, as well as the tools that historians and archaeologists use to study ancient life.

Download or read book Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living written by Jane Alexander and published by Kyle Books. This book was released on 2019-08-29 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jane Alexander is inspired and inspiring. I trust her advice completely' - Sarah Stacey, Mail on Sunday In this fast-paced, social media-filled world, people are looking for clarity and inner calm, as well as an escape from the digital overload. This book offers a comprehensive lowdown on the ancient wisdoms from around the world in an accessible way, so we can harness this wisdom and use it in our contemporary environment. The book will be broken down into five major sections. The first gives an overview to the various forms of ancient wisdom covered in the book. The following four sections will each cover a season with information and practical exercises on: Nutrition (adapting your diet throughout the year); Body (different seasonal exercise, including simple yoga and qiyong flows, healing forms of breathwork and bodywork); Emotional life (seasonal emotional shifts and advice on natural approaches to dealing with everyday stresses and anxiety); and Spiritual life (powerful soul-work, including crystals, sound healing and oracles).

Download or read book The Ancient Cities of the New World written by Désiré Charnay and published by BoD - Books on Demand. This book was released on 2024-02-05 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The Ancient Cities of the New World" is a book written by Désiré Charnay, a French archaeologist and explorer. Originally published in French as "Les anciennes villes du Nouveau Monde," the work was first published in the late 19th century. The English translation of Charnay's book has contributed to the understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. Désiré Charnay conducted extensive archaeological explorations in Mexico and Central America during the 19th century. His book likely provides a detailed account of the ancient cities and archaeological sites he encountered, shedding light on the civilizations that inhabited these regions before the arrival of Europeans. For readers interested in Mesoamerican and Central American archaeology, as well as the exploration of ancient civilizations in the Americas, "The Ancient Cities of the New World" by Désiré Charnay is a significant work that contributes to the historical and archaeological understanding of pre-Columbian cultures.

Download or read book Night and Darkness in Ancient Mesoamerica written by Nancy Gonlin and published by University Press of Colorado. This book was released on 2021-12-01 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Night and Darkness in Ancient Mesoamerica is the first volume to explicitly incorporate how nocturnal aspects of the natural world were imbued with deep cultural meanings and expressed by different peoples from various time periods in Mexico and Central America. Material culture, iconography, epigraphy, art history, ethnohistory, ethnographies, and anthropological theory are deftly used to illuminate dimensions of darkness and the night that are often neglected in reconstructions of the past. The anthropological study of night and darkness enriches and strengthens the understanding of human behavior, power, economy, and the supernatural. In eleven case studies featuring the residents of Teotihuacan, the Classic period Maya, inhabitants of Rio Ulúa, and the Aztecs, the authors challenge archaeologists to consider the influence of the ignored dimension of the night and the role and expression of darkness on ancient behavior. Chapters examine the significance of eclipses, burials, tombs, and natural phenomena considered to be portals to the underworld; animals hunted at twilight; the use and ritual meaning of blindfolds; night-blooming plants; nocturnal foodways; fuel sources and lighting technology; and other connected practices. Night and Darkness in Ancient Mesoamerica expands the scope of published research and media on the archaeology of the night. The book will be of interest to those who study the humanistic, anthropological, and archaeological aspects of the Aztec, Maya, Teotihuacanos, and southeastern Mesoamericans, as well as sensory archaeology, art history, material culture studies, anthropological archaeology, paleonutrition, socioeconomics, sociopolitics, epigraphy, mortuary studies, volcanology, and paleoethnobotany. Contributors: Jeremy Coltman, Christine Dixon, Rachel Egan, Kirby Farah, Carolyn Freiwald, Nancy Gonlin, Julia Hendon, Cecelia Klein, Jeanne Lopiparo, Brian McKee, Jan Marie Olson, David M. Reed, Payson Sheets, Venicia Slotten, Michael Thomason, Randolph Widmer, W. Scott Zeleznik

Download or read book Awakening the Ancient Power of Snake written by Dawn Baumann Brunke and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2020-02-04 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A look at the mythic, archetypal, and transformational aspects of Snake • Explores how and why Snake was transformed from esteemed advisor and guardian of ancient wisdom to a symbol of deception and evil • Examines Snake’s healing powers, its role in awakening kundalini, and its connections to dreams, shamanism, alchemy, and the Goddess • Shares transformational stories and practical ways that Snake can help us travel through the imaginal realm, gather treasure from the psyche, and shed outgrown aspects of self Entwined with human consciousness since prehistoric times, Snake has always been associated with transformation--from the shedding of its skin to the rising of kundalini energy. In ancient times, Snake served as protector and advisor to gods, goddesses, and royalty. But with the story of Adam and Eve, Snake became the enemy--a tempter and deceiver. How did this happen and why do humans continue to fear and vilify Snake? Inspired by a vivid dream of an immense snake that lost its tail, animal communicator Dawn Baumann Brunke investigates the interwoven history of Snake and humanity and explores how we can once again access Snake’s wisdom and harness its powerful ability to heal, transform, and awaken. Uncovering ties between Snake and Goddess, the author demonstrates how both were systematically suppressed millennia ago with the spread of a patriarchal perspective that valued mastery over nature, God over Goddess. Brunke reveals how myths that originally extolled the virtues of Snake and Goddess were refashioned, recreating their images as debased and untrustworthy. She explores why snakes show up in shamanic journeys and transformational dreams and how their unique presence in our world can serve as catalysts of change, truth-telling, and enlightenment. Examining Snake’s role in awakening human consciousness, Brunke considers the alchemical role of the serpent as well as Snake’s connections to ancient healing, modern medicine, and even the DNA molecule. She shares psycho-activating stories to help trigger transformation and provide graceful movement through the chaos of change. And she offers practical techniques to journey with Snake through inner worlds, to shed confining aspects of self, and to integrate experiences more holistically. Brunke shows how we need to re-embrace the ancient power of Snake to better support our return to a more balanced consciousness--one that reunites nature with spirit, sacred masculine with sacred feminine--as we strive for global change and personal awakening.