Lost Empires: Ancient Aztec and Maya: The extraordinary history of 3000 years of Mesoamerican civilization, with over 250 photographs and illustrations

by David Jones

This book unveils the lost world of the Aztec, Maya and many other peoples found by the European conquistadors.

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

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Reviews

[Wendelle]

I felt this was a great introductory book to Mesoamerican civilizations. The Olmec, Zapotec, Teotihuacano, Maya, Totlec and Aztec civilizations spanned 3000 years but were united by four basic features: a) use of a ritual calendar that heralded a new age and destruction every 52 years; b) bloodthirsty ritual human sacrifice or blood sacrifice; c)a common art and architectural style that featured steep pyramids, open plazas, and distinctive human portrayals; d) a ball court game. I also learned some surprising tidbits I would have to confirm from other sources, such as the fact that Cortes did not kill Moctezuma II, the Aztecs themselves did. Furthermore, 'The Aztec empire was crumbling from within,' and Cortes and his troops could not have won or survived wily plots on their life if they had not been aided by Aztec tributary peoples. Note to future civilizations: tearing the hearts out of long lines of your captured is not a good way to court popular support. The Aztec and Maya were very violent, warlike. Priest flaying the sacrificed's skins and wearing them, ritual cannibalism, stoning innocent elderly women for the sins of the community. It's a good thing they didn't invent wheels, boats.

[Momo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great coffee table book.