Ancient Mexico : the history and culture of the Maya, Aztecs, and other Pre-Columbian Peoples / Maria Longhena

Includes bibiographical references and index

Between the middle of the second millennium B.C. and the 16th century A.D., Mexico was home to a mosaic of different cultures – including the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Toltecs, and Aztecs – who formed the great civilizations of Mesoamerica. These peoples developed writing systems, complex mathematics, sophisticated calendars, and highly original art forms. In high mountain valleys and lush tropical lowlands, impressive cities were built with architecture dominated by towering pyramid-temples. Ancient Mexico traces the glories and the collapse of these varied cultures and their annihilation by the Spanish conquistadors. In a series of astonishing images the book presents the architecture, sculpture, reliefs, ceramics, wall paintings, jewelry, and recently deciphered written records of the inhabitants of ancient Mexico. There are also discussions of how religion, astronomy, music, games, war, and sacrifice fit into the daily lives of these people.

Translated from the Spanish to English.