For centuries, our ancestors carefully observed the movements of the heavens and wove that astronomical knowledge into their city planning, architecture, mythology, paintings, sculpture, and poetry. This book uncovers the hidden messages and advanced science encoded within these sacred spaces, showing how the rhythmic motions of the night sky played a central role across many different cultures. Our astronomical tour transports readers through time and space, from prehistoric megaliths to Renaissance paintings, Greco-Roman temples to Inca architecture. Along the way, you will investigate unexpected findings at Lascaux, Delphi, Petra, Angkor Wat, Borobudur, and many more archaeological sites both famous and little known. Through these vivid examples, you will come to appreciate the masterful ways that astronomical knowledge was incorporated into each society’s religion and mythology, then translated into their physical surroundings. The latest archaeoastronomical studies and discoveries are recounted through a poetic and nontechnical narrative, revealing how many longstanding beliefs about our ancestors are being overturned. Through this celestial journey, readers of all backgrounds will learn the basics about this exciting field and share in the wonders of cultural astronomy.

This volume focuses on how powerful people of the ancient, historical, and contemporary periods in the Maya world used features such as walls, roads, rails, and symbolic boundaries to control those without power--and how the powerless pushed back.

21 December 2012 was believed to mark the end of the thirteenth B'ak'tun cycle in the Long Count of the Mayan calendar. Many people believed this date to mark the end of the world or, at the very least, a shift to a new form of global consciousness. Examining how much of the phenomenon is based on the historical record and how much is contemporary fiction, the book explores the landscape of the modern apocalyptic imagination, the economics of the spiritual marketplace, the commodification of countercultural values, and the cult of celebrity.

While researching the 2012 end-date of the Maya Calendar, John Major Jenkins decoded the Maya's galactic cosmology. The Maya discovered that the periodic alignment of the Sun with the center of the Milky Way galaxy is the formative influence on human evolution. These alignments also define a series of World Ages. The fourth age ends on December 21, 2012, when an epoch chapter in human history will come to an end. Maya Cosmogenisis 2012 reveals the Maya's insight into the cyclic nature of time, and prepares us for our own cosmogenesis--the birth of a new world.

🌄 Explore the Wonders of Ancient Mexican History 🌄 Unearth the mysteries of Mexico's ancient civilizations with our captivating book bundle, "Ancient Mexican History: Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Toltec, & Aztec Civilizations." This six-book collection will transport you to a world of enigmatic cultures, architectural marvels, and rich legacies that continue to shape Mexico today. 📚 Book 1 - The Enigma of the Olmec: Mexico's Ancient Founders (1500 BCE - 400 BCE) Discover the enigmatic Olmec civilization, the ancient founders of Mexico, and unravel the secrets behind their colossal stone heads and cultural contributions. 🌿 Book 2 - Maya Mastery: Unveiling the Secrets of a Flourishing Civilization (2000 BCE - 1500 CE) Journey through the thriving world of the Maya civilization, renowned for its celestial observations, intricate hieroglyphs, and advanced city-states. 🏙️ Book 3 - Teotihuacan: City of the Gods (100 BCE - 750 CE) Step into the awe-inspiring city of Teotihuacan, where pyramids touch the sky, murals tell stories, and mysteries abound. Uncover the art, culture, and decline of this ancient metropolis. 🏞️ Book 4 - Zapotec Resilience: A Journey Through Ancient Oaxaca (500 BCE - 800 CE) Embark on a journey through the rugged landscapes of ancient Oaxaca and explore the innovative Zapotec civilization, their writing system, and enduring cultural impact. ⚔️ Book 5 - Toltec Warriors: Rise and Fall of an Empire (900 CE - 1200 CE) Witness the rise and fall of the mighty Toltec Empire, known for its military prowess and religious significance, and delve into the world of Quetzalcoatl. 👑 Book 6 - Aztec Ascendancy: From Humble Beginnings to Imperial Might (1325 CE - 1521 CE) Follow the epic tale of the Aztec Empire, from its humble origins on Tenochtitlan to its imperial dominance in Central Mexico. Witness the arrival of the Spanish and the pivotal moment in Mesoamerican history. 🎁 Why Choose This Book Bundle? · A comprehensive exploration of six distinct ancient Mexican civilizations. · Engaging narratives that bring history to life. · Richly illustrated with images of ancient artifacts, art, and architecture. · Immerse yourself in the captivating stories, mysteries, and legacies of these remarkable cultures. · Perfect for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone fascinated by the rich history of Mexico. 🌟 Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of time and uncover the secrets of ancient Mexico. Order "Ancient Mexican History" now and immerse yourself in the wonders of Mesoamerican civilizations. 🌟

Unlock the secrets of the ancient world with the Mesoamerican Pyramids Book Bundle, a captivating collection that takes you on a journey through the mystique of four remarkable pyramids: Chichen Itza, the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of the Inscriptions. Immerse yourself in the rich history, captivating myths, and profound significance of these awe-inspiring structures with four meticulously researched and beautifully written books. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Mesoamerican civilizations. Book 1 - Echoes of the Ancients: Unraveling the Secrets of Chichen Itza's Pyramid Uncover the enigmatic ruins of Chichen Itza with this in-depth exploration of its iconic pyramid. Discover the rise of the Maya civilization, delve into the architectural marvels of Chichen Itza, and witness the sacred rituals and ancient practices that once took place within its walls. Echoes of the Ancients will transport you back in time, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural significance of this extraordinary pyramid. Book 2 - Rays of the Sun: Exploring the Mysteries of the Pyramid of the Sun Experience the awe-inspiring power of the Pyramid of the Sun as you unravel its mysteries. Delve into the mythology and cosmology surrounding this magnificent structure, and uncover its celestial alignments and astronomical significance. Rays of the Sun will take you on a captivating journey of discovery, shedding light on the profound connections between ancient civilizations and the celestial realm. Book 3 - Shadows of the Moon: Journeying Through the Enigma of the Pyramid of the Moon Embark on an intriguing exploration of the Pyramid of the Moon, a mysterious and revered structure shrouded in shadows and enigma. Unveil the secrets of lunar worship, decipher the symbolism and iconography adorning its facades, and immerse yourself in the rituals and ceremonies that once took place in its sacred spaces. Shadows of the Moon will guide you through the spiritual realms and ancient beliefs associated with this extraordinary pyramid. Book 4 - Whispers from the Past: Decoding the Glyphs of the Pyramid of the Inscriptions Step into the world of the Pyramid of the Inscriptions, a captivating pyramid adorned with intricate glyphs and inscriptions. Decode the ancient Mayan script, unravel the historical narratives, and explore the rich tapestry of stories carved into its stone. Whispers from the Past will transport you to the realm of Mayan kings, revealing the hidden meanings and fascinating tales hidden within this remarkable pyramid. Why choose the Mesoamerican Pyramids Book Bundle? Comprehensive Coverage: Dive deep into the world of Mesoamerican pyramids with four meticulously researched and expertly written books that cover the most renowned pyramids of the region. Rich Cultural Context: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of each pyramid, providing you with a holistic perspective on Mesoamerican civilizations. Captivating Narrative: Immerse yourself in the captivating storytelling and engaging narrative style that brings the history and mysteries of each pyramid to life. Expert Authorship: Written by renowned experts in Mesoamerican archaeology and history, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and expertise. Discover the secrets, unravel the mysteries, and unlock the profound wisdom of the Mesoamerican pyramids with the Mesoamerican Pyramids Book Bundle. Whether you are an avid history enthusiast, a lover of ancient civilizations, or simply seeking a captivating read, this book bundle will take you on an extraordinary journey through time and space. Order your bundle today and embark on an adventure that will leave you in awe of the magnificent achievements of our ancient ancestors.

This abundantly illustrated volume is the first to explore the painted pottery of the ancient Greek, Moche, and Maya cultures side by side. Satyrs and sphinxes, violent legumes, and a dancing maize deity figure in the stories painted on the pottery produced by the ancient Greek, Moche, and Maya cultures, respectively. Picture Worlds is the first book to examine the elaborately decorated terracotta vessels of these three distinct civilizations. Although the cultures were separated by space and time, they all employed pottery as a way to tell stories, explain the world, and illustrate core myths and beliefs. Each of these painted pots is a picture world. But why did these communities reach for pottery as a primary method of visual communication? How were the vessels produced and used? In this book, experts offer introductions to the civilizations, exploring these foundational questions and examining the painted imagery. Readers will be rewarded with a better understanding of each of these ancient societies, fascinating insights into their cultural commonalities and differences, and fresh perspectives on image making and storytelling, practices that remain vibrant to this day. This volume is published to accompany an exhibition on view at the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa from April 10 to July 29, 2024, and at the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University from September 14 to December 15, 2024.

From the pioneering author who helped introduce the question of 2012 into the global spiritual community comes an epic exploration of the authentic origins and meaning of this portentous date. Drawing from his own groundbreaking research (including his involvement in the modern reconstruction of Mayan 2012 cosmology), John Major Jenkins has created the crucial guide to 2012, surveying its roots in Mayan cosmology, modern astronomy, ancient prophecy, and metaphysical philosophy and exploring why it has become a focal point for millions today.

This Handbook provides a transnational reference point for critical engagements with the legacies of, and futures for, global archaeological collections. It challenges the common misconception that museum archaeology is simply a set of procedures for managing and exhibiting assemblages. Instead, this volume advances museum archaeology as an area of reflexive research and practice addressing the critical issues of what gets prioritized by and researched in museums, by whom, how, and why. Through twenty-eight chapters, authors problematize and suggest new ways of thinking about historic, contemporary, and future relationships between archaeological fieldwork and museums, as well as the array of institutional and cultural paradigms through which archaeological enquiries are mediated. Case studies embrace not just archaeological finds, but also archival field notes, photographic media, archaeological samples, and replicas. Throughout, museum activities are put into dialogue with other aspects of archaeological practice, with the aim of situating museum work within a more holistic archaeology that does not privilege excavation or field survey above other aspects of disciplinary engagement. These concerns will be grounded in the realities of museums internationally, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe. In so doing, the common heritage sector refrain 'best practice' is not assumed to solely emanate from developed countries or European philosophies, but instead is considered as emerging from and accommodated within local concerns and diverse museum cultures.