A highly accessible and authoritative popular history of Mesoamerica and its ancient peoples, fully illustrated with over 500 photographs.

A highly readable, authoritative history of Mesoamerica and its many peoples, from the Olmecs and Maya to the Toltecs and Aztecs ... Discvoer Mesoamerican myths and legends from creation tales to stories of the gods and goddesses, and the mythology of fertility, harves and the afterlife"--P. [4] of cover.

A highly readable, authoritative history of Mesoamerica and its many peoples, from the Olmecs and Maya to the Toltecs and Aztecs ... Discvoer Mesoamerican myths and legends from creation tales to stories of the gods and goddesses, and the mythology of fertility, harves and the afterlife"--P. [4] of cover.

Daring exploits and astounding achievements were common for two 19th century adventurers--John Lloyd Stephens, a New York lawyer and best-selling author, and Frederick Catherwood, a London architect and renowned topographical artist. Separately, these explorers covered much of the same ground, touring Italy, Greece, Egypt, Arabia, and the Holy Land in search of ancient sites that were of historical significance. Jointly, these adventurers endured many life-threatening obstacles in a determined effort that led to the discovery of nearly fifty forgotten Mayan cities buried deep in the jungles of Central America and Mexico. The vivid accounts penned by Stephens coupled with the magnificent drawings of ruins by Catherwood brought back to life a vanished civilization that both considered equal to the greatness of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The story concludes with the premature and tragic deaths of the two.

In order to understand the course of economic and social disintegration in the Soviet Union, various questions were put to Soviet officials and economic and other policy advisors of the 1980s. This text assembles the analyses of key issues and turning points into a history of the systemic collapse.

Learn the history, geography, and life of Aztecs and use these tools to investigate Aztec religions, myths, and rituals. Check out maps, sidebars, and more!

How science can convey a profound sense of wonder, connectedness, and optimism about the human condition. This book makes a compelling case that now more than ever the public at large needs to appreciate the critical-thinking tools that science has to offer and be educated in basic science literacy. The author emphasizes that the methods and facts of science are accessible to everyone, and that, contrary to popular belief, understanding science does not require extraordinary intelligence. He also notes that scientific rationality and critical thinking are not only good for our physical well-being but also are fully in sync with our highest moral codes. He illustrates the many ways in which the scientific worldview offers a profound sense of wonder, connectedness, and optimism about the human condition, an inspiring perspective that satisfies age-old spiritual aspirations. At a time of daunting environmental challenges and rampant misinformation, this book provides a welcome corrective and reason to hope for the future.

Does the eerily precise Mayan calendar prophesy doomsday on December 21, 2012, or does it predict a glorious new age of raised consciousness? Does a hidden monument in Mexico finally put to rest what the Maya knew? 2012: Day of Reckoning takes readers on a hair-raising journey to unlock the mystery behind the lost prophecy of the ancient Maya. From galactic alignment to pole shift to Planet X/Nibiru and a starling prediction of time travel and The Singularity, 2012: Day of Reckoning elucidates the Mayan prophecy with commentary from top Maya scholars and leading voices in the movement.

This historical account of humanity's 5000 year history of recorded conflict looks at ancient wars, modern conflict, and everything in-between.