Lake Titicaca: Legend, Myth and Science

by Charles Stanish

Lake Titicaca and the vast region surrounding this deep body of water contain mysteries that we are just beginning to unravel. The area surrounding the world's highest navigable lake was home to some of the greatest civilizations in the ancient world. These civilizations were created by the ancestors of the Aymara and Quechua peoples who continue to live and work in Peru and Bolivia along the shores of this ancient body of water. This lavishly illustrated book provides a state-of-the-art description and explanation of the great cultures that inhabited this land from the first migrants ten millennia ago to the people who thrive here today. We will also discover the world of myth and legend that has grown up around this mysterious place, including the lost continent of Mu, the land of Paititi, El Dorado and the many mystic ruins of Titicaca. We then explore the results of a century of scientific research that provide an even more fabulous tale than the legends and myths combined. This book is an indispensable guide for any visitor who has an interest in archaeology, history and culture. It is likewise an excellent introduction for the interested reader who yearns to know more about this fascinating place.

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2011

Reviews

[Sjervey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhat misleading title
The section of this book entitled Science is about two-thirds of the full book and is an excellent review of the archeological work done in the Lake Titicaca region and is well-versed in the colonial descriptions of the area, but the very brief section on legends and myths is devoted exclusively to denunciations and repudiations of the groundless speculations about extraterrestrials. There was absolutely no mention of the beliefs of indigenous peoples and only passing references to possible astrological alignments of ancient structures. I'm no expert and it may be that missionary zeal completely eradicated all knowledge is ancient myths, but that's unlikely. I was disappointed that the title seemed to promise a lot more than it delivered. However, for those interested in the archeological information, the review is exhaustive and the illustrations are extensive and beautifully done.