000 01311nam a2200169 4500
010 _a85157244
020 _a9780140135879
024 _a25756834
050 _aF1219.7
082 _a972.01
100 1 _aNigel Davies
245 1 _aThe Ancient Kingdoms of Mexico (Penguin history)
260 _bPenguin Books
300 _a288 pages
520 _aThis 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.
999 _c18778
_d18778