The Everyday Life of the Aztec and Maya by Charles Phillips

The Everyday Life of the Aztec and Maya by Charles Phillips

The everyday lives, beliefs and social routines of the ancient people of Mexico and Central America are revealed in this fascinating history of day-to-day life, society and culture in the Aztec and Mayan civilisations. This historical survey begins with a look at the natural world and its impact on ancient culture, then examines the spread of human settlement across Middle America. The book traces the gradual growth of cities and commerce from earliest times, and the flowering of the great civilizations of the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Huastec, Zapotec and Toltec. It describes the vibrant trade in precious metals, tools and goods that fuelled much of this expansion, and the network of tribute that flowed from the provinces into Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire. The book illustrates how people earned their living from the land and sea, working as fishermen, hunters and farmers; and how village communities were often self-sufficient, growing or making their own food, pots, clothing, basketwork and tools. It describes the working lives of craft workers, warriors, labourers and priests, as well as the home lives of families. Fascinating material on the everyday world covers such popular pursuits as gambling, sports, music and dance. The pattern of daily life and work was broken up by festivals, in which the continent's many people celebrated the sacred patterns they found in their universe. Throughout Mesoamerica, huge centres accommodated large numbers of spectators who gathered to witness the drama of sacred theatre and ritual sacrifice, the celebration of the many gods through dance and the famous ballgame. The mystery of these lost and often unrecorded civilizations continues to fascinate and enthrall. It is revealed here in 300 superb colour photographs, paintings, artefacts, maps and architectural drawings that cover 20,000 years of these amazing civilisations. With an expert, accessible text from a leading authority, and an outstanding visual approach providing an astonishing record that celebrates and explains the mystery and complexity of this fascinating period, this is the perfect introduction to this subject for amateur historians and anthropologists; students; school libraries; school projects and anyone who loves to discover the extraordinary lives and people that form our rich cultural heritage.

"This volume stands head and shoulders above others in the way the ancient world has been simplified and brought to life with a clear, concise text backed by thoughtfully chosen illustrations - a thoroughly readable account and reference work" Tony Morrison, author of Pathways to the Gods and photographer

Charles Phillips is an established writer of popular history, with a keen interest in the mythology and history of the great Maya and Aztec civilizations. He was a key writer on Time Life's Myth and Mankind series, and is the author of Lost Empires: Ancient Aztec & Maya and The Mythology of the Aztec & Maya (also published by Southwater) and The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Kings & Queens of Britain (published by Lorenz Books). He has contributed to several illustrated histories, including The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Tartan (also published by Lorenz Books), Cassell's Dictionary of Modern Britain and The Chronicle of Britain. A graduate of Oxford University, Charles holds an MA from the University of Westminster and is a member of the Society of Authors.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781844763337
ISBN 10	1844763331
Title	The Everyday Life of the Aztec and Maya
Author	Charles Phillips
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Anness Publishing
Year published	2007-06-19
Number of pages	128
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable