Book Description
Modern peoples have always been fascinated with the iconic architecture, mystical religious beliefs, and once-thriving societies of the ancient Aztecs. From the fertile areas of the Oaxaca Valley and the Valley of Mexico to the great deserts of the north, this authoritative resource explores the development of the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs and their predecessors. Organized chronologically, it describes the native cultures, from the earliest farming villages to the establishment of great states and urban civilizations such as Teotihuacan and Monte Alban. By investigating the connections between these civilizations and the more obscure civilizations of northern Mexico, it offers readers insight into the birth of new cultures such as the Toltec Empire. An engagingly written, thoroughly researched text and superb photography explore, in-depth, such topics as the Aztec calendar, religion, society, and political organization, providing fresh insight into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Aztecs. ... Read more

Book Description
This book unveils the lost world of the Aztec, Maya and many other peoples found by the European conquistadors. ... Read more

Amazon.com
First-rate color photography makes this look at the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica a valuable addition to any art lover's library collection. Among the civilizations represented in nearly 450 illustrations are the Maya, the Aztecs, and the Toltecs. Readers will learn not only about the mighty pyramids of Tenochtitlan and Cacaxtla, the Temple of the Paintings at Bonampak, and the ball courts of El Tajin, but about smaller ceramic vessels, jade figurines, and other ceremonial objects. Although the text does acknowledge the near-complete destruction of these vibrant cultures by Spanish conquistadors, the majority of its contents are devoted to celebrating what the Mesoamericans did accomplish--and what has been preserved for us to remember those accomplishments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Nice oversize catalog of Mesoamerican art and culture, with problems: 3.7 stars
This oversize coffee-table book has beautifully reproduced, well-chosen photographs, but significant drawbacks.

Pluses:
* Excellent photos of iconic objects
* Good cross-section of prehispanic Mesoamerican artwork/artifacts
* Nice feature articles on many major archaeological sites in Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras

Neutral:
* Average-quality text (translated from Italian)

Negatives:
* No decent overall map of the area
* Maps of cultures are so general as to be almost useless

So, this shouldn't be your only guide to prehispanic Mesoamerican history. But the high quality of the photos makes it worthwhile if you find an inexpensive copy. I haven't seen the recent B&N reprint.

Happy reading--
Peter D. Tillman

An exhaustive pictoral tour of the areas mesoamerican ruins
BEAUTIFUL enormous glossy full-color photos that do more justice to the Mexican ruins than any other book I have EVER SEEN!!I love this book SO MUCH that, since I couldn't afford to BUY it, I went in to the bookstore about once every month or 2 for a YEAR AND A HALF to visit it, pore over it and covet it until a friend took pity on me and bought it for me as a gift!I have BEEN to several of the ruins pictured here, and they are MASTERFULLY captured in the photographs.The author even includes some of the little, lesser-known sites, such as Dzibilchaltun, especially dear to me as my Mexican host family took me there on a family day outing!!This book is just AWESOME!!!

A gorgeous book of ancient cultures
This book is packed with information and color photographs of the ancient cultures of Mexico, from the Olmecs to the Zapotecs to the Mayas to the Aztecs. The author even includes sections on the lesser known and understood cultures of Western Mexico.With a fold-out time line and detailed maps of the most famous archaeological sites, this book gives a good overview of the history of these cultures - and then hones in on specifics such as dress, burial customs, religion, war, and games.Extensive attention is also given to the major cities representing these peoples.With color photographs on nearly every page, this is a gorgeous addition to any library. As a reference book, or even as a coffee table book to browse through occasionally, ANCIENT MEXICO can't be beat.

Not for archaeology buffs only!
This book takes the reader thorough the history of pre-columbian mesoamerica, the daily life of the people and then tours a number of important archaeological sites in Mexico and nearby countries.It includes wonderful photos of amazing artifacts decorative pieces, ceramics and jeewlry and the archaeological sites.It is a stunning book and serves to emphasize the colossal loss the Americas sustained with the conquest.If you've been to Mexico and love it, this book is a nice memento.If you havn't, this will make you want to go. ... Read more

Book Description
Have you ever wondered what life was really like for the Aztecs?What did people wear?What did they eat?What sorts of games did kids play?Through history, recipes, crafts, activities, and games this series gives you a chance to experience what life was like throughout history. ... Read more

Book Description
Here's an exciting, hands-on collection of ideas and activities designed to introduce students to the life of the ancient Mayans and Aztecs.

Ancient history will come to life for students as they write number glyphs using the code of the Maya, design their own battle uniforms using ideas from the Aztecs and learn about the diet, work, entertainment, worship and warfare of these people who were the forerunners of modern Mexico. They'll discover the fierce side of both cultures and their preoccupation with blood and death.

Students will begin to understand why the Mayans and Aztecs lived as they did and how a European desire to discover gold in the new world brought an end to their vibrant civilizations. A variety of creative activities are included to involve students in exploring these ancient peoples for themselves. ... Read more

Book Description
At home or at school, this innovative title makes history come alive!

Welcome, stranger.You have arrived in the ancient and remarkable island city of Tenochtitlan, home of the mighty Aztec people.While you are here, pick up a copy of THE AZTEC NEWS and learn about our ways: our politics, religion, trading and farming methods, medicine, military, and sports, as well as the latest news on the invaders who threaten the very existence of our civilization—all in THE AZTEC NEWS! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great book idea!
My class really liked the format of this book, and it encouraged them to find out what this culture was about.

The Aztec News
Excellent bite sized tidbits of history presented in an interesting format. Inside you will find a map of the Aztec empire, articles detailing every day life of the Aztec from agriculture, the Spanish invasion, war, the ball game, a guide to the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, a girl talk section, food and classifieds that provide an insight to the culture.What a great series!I purchased a copy as a gift for my 9 year old niece and was so impressed that I am purchasing the whole series for her!What a find!A clever and delightful way to introduce history to youngsters.

School Project
I am in the process of doing a school project on the Aztec and this book has all the info I need!I would recomend this book to anyone! It has everything enterusting in it, there is not one boring word! ... Read more

Book Description
Archaeology reveals the rich history and complex culture of the Aztecs. Journey to the center of this elevated ancient civilization, to a huge oval basin 7,500 feet above sea level, in the Valley of Mexico. Study National Geographic maps and behold the vast range of this intriguing empire. Learn how modern archaeological methods and computer technology have helped to piece together patterns of conquest and colonization. Watch over the shoulders of archaeologists as they unearth clues about the history of the Aztec. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
When you pick up a book by author Peter Lourie, you'll realize two things right away.First, he loves history, and his love for the subject comes through in his writing.Secondly, Mr. Lourie doesn't just write about the past.He's a hands-on type of person, and that's clearly evident in HIDDEN WORLD OF THE AZTEC.

In 1512, the two-hundred year history of the Aztecs was brought to a close when Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes captured the capital city of Tenochtitlan.That ancient city, the hub of the Aztec culture, now lies buried beneath a larger, much more modern city--that of downtown Mexico City.

Mr. Lourie followed a team of archaeologists, led by Leonardo Lopez Lujan, as they conducted new excavations at both the Great Temple and the Pyramid of the Moon.The work done at the Great Temple was the first attempted in seven years.At the more ancient Pyramid of the Moon, located thirty miles north of Mexico City, a new opening was made at the top of the pyramid, and Mr. Lourie followed a team down into never-before explored tunnels.

HIDDEN WORLD OF THE AZTEC is filled with beautiful full-color photographs, maps of the ancient Aztec world, and photos of actual archaeological finds discovered during their time in Mexico City.This first-hand account of what the ancient Aztec culture was like is not to be missed, especially by those with a love of history.

Reviewed by:Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Dad and reader
Dad and reader

I love Peter Lourie's books because they help students see that real adventure is still taking place in a real world.He visited my daughter's school a year ago. I sat in and was blown away by his passion and enthusiasm and his love for history and travel and adventure. He brings that passion to his new title, Aztec. We follow Lourie into the heart of an ancient temple at Teotihuacan, the Pyramid of the Moon.With the same archaeologist from Mexico, Leonardo Lujan, we accompany scientists opening up a new excavation at the Great Temple, the center of the Aztec capital city, which now lies under Mexico City.Fascinating stuff.And not, I might add, without a lively and informative discussion of the significance of human sacrifice to that ancient culture.

The photographs bring the subject alive and will make the Aztecs really accessible to middle graders. Our school has Lourie's other books, Maya, Inca, and Anasazi in their library. Lourie has hit a home run with this new one, the best in his New World Civilization series.I hardily recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
This book introduces the reader to the fascinating world of the Aztecs. This book looks at how the Aztecs ruled their empire and prayed to their gods. It also explores the many aspects of daily life, from food and farming to Aztec arts and crafts. Did you know? The Aztecs worshipped hundreds of gods and goddesses. The clothing the Aztecs wore represented their status in society. The Aztecs played a sport called ulama, a mix of basketball, volleyball, and soccer.The Ancient Civilizations series tells the stories of the greatest cultures in human history and explains the lives of ancient people with amazing facts and stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Ancient Aztecs
This "trasure chest" is great. My children loved it. They enjoyed it and learned so much about the aztecs. The cardboard temple and the map really helped my children understand how the aztecs lived backthen. The book was also great in depicting the lives of the aztecs withcolorful illustations. ... Read more