Description
Book Synopsis: A sweeping account of Medieval North America when Indigenous peoples confronted climate change. Few Americans today are aware of one of the most consequential periods in North American history—the Medieval Warm Period of seven to twelve centuries ago (AD 800-1300 CE)—which resulted in the warmest temperatures in the northern hemisphere since the "Roman Warm Period," a half millennium earlier. Reconstructing these climatic events and the cultural transformations they wrought, Timothy Pauketat guides readers down ancient American paths walked by Indigenous people a millennium ago, some trod by Spanish conquistadors just a few centuries later. The book follows the footsteps of priests, pilgrims, traders, and farmers who took great journeys, made remarkable pilgrimages, and migrated long distances to new lands.
Along the way, readers will discover a new history of a continent that, like today, was being shaped by climate change—or controlled by ancient gods of wind and water. Through such elemental powers, the history of Medieval America was a physical narrative, a long-term natural and cultural experience in which Native people were entwined long before Christopher Columbus arrived or Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztecs.
Spanning most of the North American continent, Gods of Thunder focuses on remarkable parallels between pre-contact American civilizations separated by a thousand miles or more. Key archaeological sites are featured in every chapter, leading us down an evidentiary trail toward the book's conclusion that a great religious movement swept Mesoamerica, the Southwest, and the Mississippi valley, sometimes because of worsening living conditions and sometimes by improved agricultural yields thanks to global warming a thousand years ago. The author also includes a guide to visiting the archaeological sites discussed in the book.
Details
Discover the untold story of Medieval North America in Gods of Thunder: How Climate Change, Travel, and Spirituality Reshaped Precolonial America. As one of the most consequential periods in history, the Medieval Warm Period transformed the continent and brought about remarkable cultural shifts. Embark on a captivating journey with Timothy Pauketat as he unveils the intriguing connections between climate change and the ancient gods that governed the wind and water. Uncover the mysteries of a continent shaped by natural forces and explore archaeological sites that bear witness to a great religious movement that spanned thousands of miles.
In Gods of Thunder, Pauketat takes you on a remarkable adventure, following in the footsteps of Indigenous peoples who traversed vast distances, encountered climate upheavals, and adapted to changing environments. Be transported back in time to witness the pilgrimages, trades, and migrations of priests, traders, and farmers who shaped the history of pre-contact America. Gain a deeper understanding of how climate change influenced the lives of Native people long before European colonizers arrived.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural experiences of Medieval America as you explore the fascinating parallels between civilizations thousands of miles apart. Each chapter of this thought-provoking book delves into key archaeological sites, providing compelling evidence of the impact of climate change on ancient societies. Discover how worsening living conditions and improved agricultural yields, driven by global warming a thousand years ago, catalyzed a great religious movement across Mesoamerica, the Southwest, and the Mississippi Valley.
If you're captivated by history, spirituality, and the wonders of ancient civilizations, Gods of Thunder is a must-read. Let Timothy Pauketat be your guide as you uncover the hidden narratives of Medieval North America. Prepare to be mesmerized by his meticulous research and vivid storytelling that brings the past to life. To embark on this incredible journey, get your copy of Gods of Thunder: How Climate Change, Travel, and Spirituality Reshaped Precolonial America now!
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