Mexico of five centuries ago was witness to one of the most momentous encounters between human societies, when a group of Spaniards led by Hernando Cort�s joined forces with tens of thousands of Mesoamerican allies to topple the mighty Aztec Empire. It served as a template for the forging of much of Latin America and initiated the globalized world we inhabit today. The violent clash that culminated in the Aztec-Spanish war of 1519-21 and the new colonial order it created were millennia in the making, entwining the previously independent cultural developments of both sides of the Atlantic. Collision of Worlds provides a deep history of this encounter, one that considers temporal depth in the richly layered cultures of Mexico and Spain, from their prehistories to the urban and imperial societies they built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Leading Mesoamerican archaeologist David Carballo offers a unique perspective on these fabled events with a focus on the physical world of places and things, their similarities and differences in trans-Atlantic perspective, and their interweaving in an encounter characterized by conquest and colonialism, but also resilience on the part of Native peoples. An engrossing and sweeping account, Collision of Worlds debunks long-held myths and contextualizes the deep roots and enduring consequences of the Aztec-Spanish conflict as never before. Read more

Produced to accompany a major exhibition at the British Museum, on view 24 September 2009 – 24 January 2010, this catalogue will explore the dramatic events surrounding the Spanish assault on the Aztec Empire, focusing on the Emperor Moctezuma II who ruled from AD 1502 from his capital Tenochtitlan (the site of modern-day Mexico City). Key works of art will be shown together for the first time, including iconic objects such as the British Museum’s turquoise snake and masks, and intriguing but less well-known material such as sculptures, codices, intricate featherwork, gold and treasures from Mexico and other major international museums. The book will open with an examination of the origin of Mexico and the role of the king as a military, political and religious leader. At the heart of the story unfolding around the arrival of the Spanish stands the enigmatic and semi-mythical figure of Moctezuma himself. Attention will be drawn to the fascinating but often very different accounts of key events given by Mexican and Spanish sources. Moctezuma's own contribution to his eventual downfall and death at the hands of his own people will be examined afresh, drawing upon the latest international research and the ongoing archaeological discoveries in Mexico City. The book will finally reassess the legacy of these momentous events, including the role they played in shaping modern Mexican identity. With chapters by international authorities and stunning photography, this book will be an outstanding contribution to the understanding of Mexico and its last Aztec ruler. Read more

In this rich and surprising book, Frances F. Berdan casts fresh light on the enigmatic ancient Aztecs. She casts her net wide, covering topics as diverse as ethnicity, empire-building, palace life, etiquette, origin myths and human sacrifice. While often described as 'stone age', the Aztecs' achievements were remarkable. They constructed lofty temples and produced fine arts in precious stones, gold and shimmering feathers. They crafted beautiful poetry and studied the sciences. They had schools and libraries, entrepreneurs and money, and a bewildering array of deities and dramatic ceremonies. Based on the latest research and lavishly illustrated, this book reveals the Aztecs to be a civilization of sophistication and finesse. Read more

A New Statesman Best Book of the Year 2023. A Waterstones Book of the Year 2023. An Economist Book of the Year. One of Smithsonian Magazine's Ten Best History Books of 2023. A BBC History Magazine Book of the Year 2023. Winner of the Voltaire Medal.'An untold story of colonial history, both epic and intimate, and a thrilling revelation' Adam Rutherford'Mind-blowing . . . this is how history should be told' Benjamin ZephaniahIn this groundbreaking new history, Caroline Dodds Pennock recovers the long-marginalised stories of the Indigenous Americans who - as enslaved people, diplomats, explorers, servants and traders - left a profound impact on European civilisation in the 'Age of Discovery'. On Savage Shores is a sweeping account of power and influence in America and Europe - one which could forever change the way we understand our global history. Read more

Think you know your history? This bumper collection of 51 fun, fiendish crossword puzzles will challenge your knowledge of everything from Ancient Rome to the Arab Spring, from the Aztecs to the internet, from the Stone Age to the Jazz Age, and from Timbuktu to outer space.Spanning centuries and ranging across continents, each crossword has something for everyone – whether you’re a keen quizzer, fancy yourself as a history expert, or are just fascinated by our shared past. Test yourself on historic battles, ancient cultures, earth-shaking revolutions and amazing inventions; play against the clock, or just against yourself. Open up a whole world of historical discovery. Let’s get puzzling!Absorbing puzzles on a large 17x17 gridA wide variety of questions across 14 history themesOver 860 quiz-style cluesClues and crossword grid are conveniently on the same page for each puzzleSolutions provided at the back of the bookFun facts every 2 puzzles to teach you something interesting you didn't know before!The perfect gift for adult history fansAll puzzles are in British EnglishGet 19 FREE bonus crosswords with this book! As a thank you for purchasing this book, we are giving away 19 FREE crosswords in a printable format for you test your history knowledge on hundreds more clues. The download link is provided in the book. Read more

Free Bonus Included—A Copy of Luke Marsh’s Limited Edition Book Titled “100+ Interesting Real Stories.”Dive into the world of the unknown and explore the unexplained mysteries that have baffled humanity for centuries."100+ Unexplained Mysteries for Curious Minds" is a riveting non-fiction page-turner that delves into the world's most intriguing enigmas.Penned by Luke Marsh, a renowned author, and expert in the field of mysteries, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the unexplained phenomena that have captivated and puzzled humanity throughout history.Marsh draws on extensive research and historical records in this captivating guide to illuminate a wide array of mysteries. With "100+ Unexplained Mysteries for Curious Minds", readers will:Unravel the secrets of lost civilizations and ancient enigmas.Explore the realm of cryptids, creatures that elude scientific explanation.Delve into the world of UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters.Investigate the chilling tales of ghosts and hauntings.Examine the baffling cases of mysterious disappearances."100+ Unexplained Mysteries for Curious Minds" is perfect for history buffs, mystery enthusiasts, and anyone with a thirst for knowledge looking to delve into the unknown.With meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and thought-provoking insights, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the world's most enduring mysteries.Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the unexplained with "100+ Unexplained Mysteries for Curious Minds".Order your copy today and start your journey into the unknown world! Read more

Mexico of five centuries ago was witness to one of the most momentous encounters between human societies, when a group of Spaniards led by Hernando Cortés joined forces with tens of thousands of Mesoamerican allies to topple the mighty Aztec Empire. It served as a template for the forging of much of Latin America and initiated the globalized world we inhabit today. The violent clash that culminated in the Aztec-Spanish war of 1519-21 and the new colonial order it created were millennia in the making, entwining the previously independent cultural developments of both sides of the Atlantic. Collision of Worlds provides a deep history of this encounter, one that considers temporal depth in the richly layered cultures of Mexico and Spain, from their prehistories to the urban and imperial societies they built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Leading Mesoamerican archaeologist David Carballo offers a unique perspective on these fabled events with a focus on the physical world of places and things, their similarities and differences in trans-Atlantic perspective, and their interweaving in an encounter characterized by conquest and colonialism, but also resilience on the part of Native peoples. An engrossing and sweeping account, Collision of Worlds debunks long-held myths and contextualizes the deep roots and enduring consequences of the Aztec-Spanish conflict as never before. Read more

The definitive chronicle of the ancient peoples of Central America & Mexico including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Toltec and Zapotec. In a sumptuous new large-format edition, this wide-ranging reference book covers almost 3000 years of history, offering enthralling insights into the art and architecture, myths and legends, and everyday life of the many different empires of Central America and Mexico. Stories of sun-gods and blood sacrifice, of pyramids and temples, and of the fabulous treasuries filled with gold have fascinated many generations. This book unravels the true facts behind the stories and looks at how myth and legends can tell us much about the cult of war in these pre-industrial nations. The magnificent architectural and cultural achievements of a succession of Mesoamerican peoples - the Olmecs, Maya, Zapotecs, Toltecs, Mixtec and Aztecs - cover almost 3000 years. These achievements range from the temple-pyramids and colossal stone carvings of the Olmecs to the awe-inspiring cities, vast trading networks and complex religious societies of the Aztecs and Maya. The World Heritage sites of historic Mexico City and Tenochtitlan, Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Tikal and Monte Alban, are examined giving life to the civic, military and everyday world of the time. Archaeological finds and surviving documents provide intriguing insights into astronomy, the development of calendars, mathematics, writing and the arts. They also reveal a grim commitment to war and a savage religious devotion to gods who demanded the blood of human sacrifice. Pottery and textiles, carvings, mosaics, and gold and metalwork show the technological innovations of these pre-industrial civilizations. Superbly illustrated throughout, with more than 1000 colour photographs, artworks, maps and plans, the book reveals every aspect of the history of these lost civilizations. This unrivalled volume is not only a perfect introduction to the subject but also a stunning visual record of a fascinating period that has helped to shape our world. Read more

There has probably never been a single volume with such extensive information on the uniforms and costumes of the European conquest of the Americas. Ian Heath has assembled 247 drawings and other illustrations to depict the native peoples of South America and the eastern parts of North America as well as Spanish, English, French and even German adventurers and explorers. The accompanying text also offers a clear account of the rise and development of the various European colonies. Includes extensive bibliography. Read more

In 1519, the Conquistador Hernán Cortés landed on the mainland of the Americas. His quest to serve God, win gold, and achieve glory drove him into the heartland of what is now Mexico, where no European had ever set foot before. He marched towards to the majestic city of Tenochtitlan, floating like a jewel in the midst of Lake Texcoco. This encounter brought together cultures that had hitherto evolved in complete isolation from each other - Catholic Spain and the Aztec Empire. What ensued was the swift escalation from a clash of civilizations to a war of the worlds. At the conclusion of the Conquistador campaign of 1519-21, Tenochtitlan lay in ruins, the last Aztec Emperor was in chains, and Spanish authority over the native peoples had been definitively asserted. With the colourful personalities - Cortés, Malinche, Pedro Alvarez, Cuitláhuac, Cuauhtémoc - driving the narrative, and the vivid differences in uniforms, weapons, and fighting styles between the rival armies (displayed using stunning specially commissioned artwork), this is the fascinating story of the collapse of the Aztec Empire. Read more

This book provides an up-to-date synthesis of Aztec culture, applying interdisciplinary approaches (archaeology, ethnohistory and ethnography) to reconstructing the complex and enigmatic civilization. Frances F. Berdan offers a balanced assessment of complementary and sometimes contradictory sources in unravelling the ancient way of life. The book provides a cohesive view of the Aztecs and their empire, emphasizing the diversity and complexity of social, economic, political and religious roles played by the many kinds of people we call 'Aztecs'. Concluding with three integrative case studies, the book examines the stresses, dynamics and anchors of Aztec culture and society. Read more

'Extraordinarily learned, and gilded with linguistic flourishes.' - Literary Review'In an age obsessed with global supply chains, instant communications, and global epidemics, there is much to be learned from predecessors who first encircled the world, for better or worse.' - Kris Lane, author of Potosí: The Silver City that Changed the WorldSixteenth-century Spain was small, poor, disunited and sparsely populated. Yet the Spaniards and their allies built the largest empire the world had ever seen. How did they achieve this?Felipe Fernández-Armesto and Manuel Lucena Giraldo argue that Spain's engineers were critical to this venture. The Spanish invested in infrastructure to the advantage of local power brokers, enhancing the abilities of incumbent elites to grow wealthy on trade and widening the arc of Spanish influence.Bringing to life stories of engineers, prospectors, soldiers and priests, the authors paint a vivid portrait of Spanish America in the age of conquest. This is a dazzling new history of the Spanish Empire, and a new understanding of empire itself, as a venture marked as much by collaboration as oppression. Read more

Put your knowledge to the absolute test with this book of history crosswords.Over 400 crossword questions accross 20 different puzzles.Complete solutions given at the back.Fun historic facts given every 5 puzzles.Large variety of questions.Great gift for adults who love crosswords, and want to see how much they know about history. Read more

Like Magic in the Streets tells the curious stories behind the making of the much-loved indie LPs: You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever, High Land, Hard Rain, Before Hollywood, The Smiths and A Walk Across the Rooftops. Music that couldn’t have been made at any other time, shaped by the radical upheaval of the early Eighties.The book captures the mood of what it felt like to live under the rule of Queen Elizabeth II and Mrs Thatcher in the new-build landscape of flyovers and underpasses, concrete shopping centres and civic parks, to be night-walking under the sodium glare of streetlights to empty bus stations, reeking pubs and spangled discos.It’s not the story of the rise of indie or how a great musical lineage changed the world. It’s about a short-lived and failed romance, a defeat, and why that might be more important and interesting than any Eighties’ success story. Read more

The Spanish conquest of the Americas is a pivotal part of the history of colonization.Christopher Columbus’s discovery, albeit accidental, of a new landmass turned the world upside-down. Beginning in the late 15th century, the kingdom of Spain spearheaded the effort of colonization, sending expedition after expedition to the Caribbean islands and then to mainland North and South America. Through violence, bloodshed, and conquest, the Spanish conquistadors were able to gain control of the rich and prosperous lands of indigenous American civilizations, laying waste to magnificent political and social entities like the Aztec and Inca Empires.This book tells the story of how Spain managed to conquer the Americas in the span of half a century, from the late 1400s to the mid-1500s. Although exploitation and warfare continued between the colonizers and the colonized after this period, the largest campaigns against the indigenous peoples were undertaken in this short time span, which is the focus of this book.This comprehensive guide will cover the following:Columbus and his expeditions, which encouraged other Europeans to start colonizationThe makeup of indigenous American societies, from their social hierarchies and complex cultures to diverse political structuresColonization of the Caribbean islands and the establishment of the Spanish West IndiesThe arrival of Hernán Cortés and his groundbreaking expedition into the Aztec Empire in modern-day MexicoThe conquest of the Maya civilization in the Yucatán Peninsula and the power dynamics between different power-hungry conquistador groups thereThe magnificent Inca Empire in the South American Andes and its conquest by Francisco PizarroStories of infamous expeditions and the problems the conquistadors encounteredAnd much, much more!Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to begin learning about the Spanish Conquest of the Americas! Read more

Collected in one volume, here are backfires and blunders that collapsed empires, crashed economies, and altered the course of the world. From the Maginot Line to the Cuban Missile Crisis, history is filled with bad moves and not-so-bright ideas that snowballed into disasters and unintended consequences. This engrossing book looks at one hundred such tipping points. Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. The Caliphs of Baghdad spend themselves into bankruptcy. The Aztecs greet the Conquistadors with open arms. Mexico invites the Americans to Texas-and the Americans never leave. And the rest is history... Read more

The Aztec, Inca and Maya charts the rise and fall pre-Columbian civilizations in Mesoamerica and South America, from the Maya to the Aztec and Inca empires, as well as the Zapotec, Olmec, Teotihuacan and Toltec civilizations. From government structures to marriage rites, from pyramids to human sacrifice, from agriculture to textiles, astronomy to hieroglyphics to ball games, the book explores the history of what today we call Latin America from its early kingdoms up to the crippling of the societies with the arrival of conquistadores and smallpox. The biggest Mesoamerican cities, such as Teotihuacan, Tenochtitlan and Cholula, were among the largest in the world. Mesoamerican civilisations are credited with many inventions: building pyramid-temples, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, writing, highly accurate calendars, fine arts, intensive agriculture, engineering, an abacus calculator, and complex theology. In South America, the Inca Empire, the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, was, at its height, possibly the largest in the world. And yet it achieved this without wheeled vehicles, animals to ride or draft animals, without using iron or steel, or developing a written script. Easily accessible and illustrated with 180 colour and black-and-white photographs, maps and artworks, The Aztec, Inca and Maya is a fascinating account of Mesoamerican and South American civilisations from the 2nd century BCE to the 16th century CE. Read more

SILVER, SWORD AND STONE is a vibrant, sweeping history of Latin America, told through three compelling lenses.The first, precious metal, of which silver is an enormous part, is an obsession that burned brightly in pre\-Columbian times, consumed Spain in its relentless conquest of America, drove a system of exploitation, and has morphed into Latin America\x27s hope for the future. The second, the \x27sword\x27, is the culture of violence: from the Aztec and Inca empires through the bloody nineteenth\-century wars of independence to state terrorism, the Shining Path, and today\x27s drug wars. The third, embodied in temples, elaborate cathedrals, or simple piles of rock, is the region\x27s fervent adherence to religious institutions, built in stone.The result is a dramatic portrait of a continent, brimming with colourful stories that cover a thousand years of history as well as real, living characters: Leonor González, a tiny widow and mother of five living in La Rinconada, the highest human settlement in the world, informs the history of mining. Carlos Buergos \- a Cuban drug dealer who honed his knife skills in the war in Angola, brought his cunning to America, then became a police informant \- echoes the violence of the Aztecs, Pizarro, Rafael Trujillo and Pinochet. And Father Xavier Albo, a Jesuit priest who lives in La Paz, has worked for forty years to keep Catholicism alive among the Quechua and Aymara of the Andes, who would rather believe what their ancestors did.Vivid and impeccably researched, SILVER, SWORD AND STONE is the definitive narrative history of a region with a tumultuous but little\-understood present as well as past. Read more