Mysteries of the Mexican Pyramids

by Peter Tompkins

Reproductions of primitive and nineteenth-century drawings and modern photographs illustrate an inquiry into the histories, construction, and purposes of ancient Mexican and Central American pyramids

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Archaeology, Occult, Ancient History

444 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1987

About the author

Peter Tompkins was an American journalist, World War II spy, and best-selling author.
His best known and most influential books include The Secret Life of Plants, published in 1973, Secrets of the Great Pyramid, reprinted in paperback in 1997, and Mysteries of the Mexican Pyramids, published in 1976. He is the father of author Ptolemy Tompkins.

Reviews

[Tricia Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half of this book is an excellent, sympathetic and tragic history of the attempted preservation and understanding of lost Mesoamerican cultures. The second half devolves from outdated and hokey theories to outright conspiratorial insanity. I wish I could rate the beginning separately, but alas. Still an interesting read but not remotely useful is actually understanding the Mexican pyramids.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is much written here about the pyramids of Mexico that can be contested but it is well presented. The author gives the religious, cultural, mythical and scientific importance of the pyramids. Through extensive research, one finds out more than one ever expected about the pyramids throughout Mexico. While focusing primarily on the pyramids in the Valley of Mexico (south central Mexico), the author does touch on the Mayan pyramids to the south. I must admit that some of the technical aspects were harder to understand but it was worth the time. IYou will have a greater appreciation and more questions about these mysterious and massive structures.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one I really liked. After reading Prescott and Stevens I felt like I had invested a lot of time on this subject. I have now travelled to all but Columbia, Peru, Bolivia and Honduras. Some countries I have been to several times and have seen the common sights and some of the out of the way stuff. I love Mexico and will go again at the drop of a sombrero. This is a decent ancient history summary. My favorite area is south of Cancun, the Mayan ruins and further south into Belize.

[Sandra Munger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always an interesting read