Maya to Aztec: Ancient Mesoamerica Revealed

Book Synopsis: When the Spanish conquistadors discovered the independent city-states in Mesoamerica, they were surprised to find cultures that were in many ways more advanced than European nations, with remarkable achievements like cities with public amenities, a calendar that could record thousands of years of history, a plethora of crops, an elaborate system of writing, complex mathematics, and stunning works of art and architecture. Although the Spanish eventually conquered all of Mesoamerica, much remains of the original culture: beautiful artifacts, impressive ruins, and millions of descendants of ancient Mesoamericans still living in their ancestral homes, speaking native languages and practicing time-honored traditions. It's no wonder that Mesoamerica is a must-see destination for travelers with an urge to step into an extraordinary past.

These 48 amazing lessons take you deep into the heart of Mesoamerican history and culture with a noted archaeologist, explorer, and teacher as your guide. Whether you're planning a self-guided trip, preparing for a tour, or simply traveling from the comfort of your favorite armchair, you are in for a thrilling virtual voyage that will cover many more sites than you could possibly see in months of travel.

Maya to Aztec is richly illustrated with Professor Barnhart's own photos taken in the field, along with museum-grade images of artifacts, illustrations recreating ancient cities and temples, maps showing where to find different sites, and graphics that decode Mesoamerican writing and iconography. This course is an exciting glimpse of exploration, theorizing, and discovery in action.

With Maya to Aztec, you will marvel at the accomplishments and genius of an exceptional group of civilizations, which were among the greatest the world has ever known.