The Greatest Civilizations of the Americas: The History and Culture of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca

*Includes over 50 pictures of the civilizations' art, ruins, architecture, and more. *Describes everyday life for the Maya, Inca and Aztecs, from language to diet.*Comprehensively covers the civilizations' most famous characteristics, including Mayan astronomy, the Aztecs' infamous human sacrifice rituals, and the Inca's Macchu Picchu.*Includes a Table of ContentsWhen the Spanish arrived in the New World, men like Columbus, Cortes, and Pizarro came into contact with a vast array of different Native American settlements. Though the Spanish mercilessly conquered their way through the Americas and aimed to convert the peoples they considered savages, the unique culture, architecture and aspects of the indigenous tribes fascinated even the conquistadors, who brought the accounts back to Europe and fascinated millions across the Atlantic.500 years later, the world is more fascinated than ever by the American civilizations, particularly the Aztecs, Maya and Inca.Of all the world’s civilizations, none have intrigued people more than the Mayans, whose culture, astronomy, language, and mysterious disappearance all continue to captivate people. In 2012 especially, there has been a renewed focus on the Mayans, whose advanced calendar has led many to speculate the world will end on the same date the Mayan calendar ends. The focus on the “doomsday” scenario, however, has overshadowed the Mayans’ true contribution to astronomy, language, sports, and art