The Ancient Kingdoms of Mexico"This outstanding study spans four rich civilizations in ancient Mexico, from 1500 B.C. to the Spanish conquest soon after A.D.1500: The "Olmecs," hunters and farmers who worshipped the man-jaguar and became the first great carvers in stone and jade. The culture of "Teotihuacan," with its sumptuous palaces and gigantic Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. The "Toltec" dynasty, whose temples, wreathed with carvings of predatory beasts, serpents and warriors, testify to a new militaristic phase in Mexican history. The "Aztecs," fierce empire-builders whose gods demanded complex rituals and the blood of human sacrifice. Writing for students, travellers and non-specialists, Nigel Davies puts these fascinating cultures into historical context. Drawing on the latest research, he discusses their arts, beliefs and customs, and their changing economic and political conditions, to build up a vivid picture of life in the kingdoms of ancient Mexico." --provided by Goodreads. |
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accounts addition Alban already America Ancient animals Aztec basic became belong buildings built called capital carved central centre century ceremonial certain Chichen civilization Classic Coast common Conquest Cortés covered Cuernavaca culture described early Empire existed face fall figures followed force four further gods groups hand head human important jaguar kilometres kind known land later leading less lived Lorenzo major Maya means Mexican Mexico Middle Moctezuma monuments murals nobles objects offerings Olmec original painted palace period population pottery present Pyramid Quetzalcoatl reached region remains rich role ruled ruler seen Serpent served side situated sources status stone style suggests symbols temple Tenochtitlan Teotihuacan Toltec took tradition tribute Tula typical Valley Valley of Mexico Venta Veracruz wall warriors whole World