In an astonishing work of scholarship that reads like an adventure thriller, historian Buddy Levy records the last days of the Aztec empire and the two men at the center of an epic clash of cultures. “I and my companions suffer from a disease of the heart which can be cured only with gold.” —Hernán CortésIt was a moment unique in human history, the face-to-face meeting between two men from civilizations a world apart. Only one would survive the encounter. In 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived on the shores of Mexico with a roughshod crew of adventurers and the intent to expand the Spanish empire. Along the way, this brash and roguish conquistador schemed to convert the native inhabitants to Catholicism and carry off a fortune in gold. That he saw nothing paradoxical in his intentions is one of the most remarkable—and tragic—aspects of this unforgettable story of conquest.In Tenochtitlán, the famed City of Dreams, Cortés met his Aztec counterpart, Montezuma: king, divinity, ruler of fifteen million people, and commander of the most powerful military machine in the Americas. Yet in less than two years, Cortés defeated the entire Aztec nation in one of the most astonishing military campaigns ever waged. Sometimes outnumbered in battle thousands-to-one, Cortés repeatedly beat seemingly impossible odds. Buddy Levy meticulously researches the mix of cunning, courage, brutality, superstition, and finally disease that enabled Cortés and his men to survive.Conquistador is the story of a lost kingdom—a complex and sophisticated civilization where floating gardens, immense wealth, and reverence for art stood side by side with bloodstained temples and gruesome rites of human sacrifice. It’s the story of Montezuma—proud, spiritual, enigmatic, and doomed to misunderstand the stranger he thought a god. Epic in scope, as entertaining as it is enlightening, Conquistador is history at its most riveting.Praise for Conquistador“Prodigiously researched and stirringly told, Conquistador is a rarity: an invaluable history lesson that also happens to be a page-turning read.”—Jeremy Schaap, bestselling author of Cinderella Man: James J. Braddock, Max Baer and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History, and Triumph: The Untold Story of Jesse Owens and Hitler’s Olympics “Sweeping and majestic . . . A pulse-quickening narrative.”—Neal Bascomb, author of Red Mutiny: Eleven Fateful Days on the Battleship Potemkin Read more

If you are curious about how the extraordinary Aztecs lived and ran their empire, then keep reading!The remarkable Aztecs formed a vast, organized empire renown for military prowess, expansive trade, intriguing culture, and ingenious agriculture – all from an island in a swamp. But where was their mysterious homeland of Aztlan? How did they ascend to dominance in the Valley of Mexico?Explore the mesmerizing origins of the Aztecs, discover how a wandering desert tribe came to rule much of present-day Mexico, and investigate the spectacular – albeit somewhat depraved – culture that set their civilization apart.This easy-to-read, comprehensive, and engaging history of the Aztec Empire will unlock the little-known and awe-inspiring stories and culture of a legendary people. This well-researched and authoritative presentation, accompanied by striking illustrations, brings the Aztec civilization to life. Here are some of the fascinating questions you will explore:What secrets have recent archaeological finds uncovered about the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures?How did the startling cultures that existed before the Aztecs influence them? What made these pre-existing cultures famous?What prophesies propelled the Mexica into their empire-building destiny and formed their self-identity?Why did the Mexica build their astonishing city on an island in the middle of a lake? How did it grow into one of the largest cities in the world at that time?Was their mysterious homeland of Aztlan a real place? If so, where was it?What’s this story about an eagle on a cactus eating a rattlesnake?How did the Mexica turn the tables to rule over the tribes that once dominated them?What intrigue led to the coalition armies and the Triple Alliance?How did the Aztecs form their extensive network of power and organize their far-flung city-states?What were their mythology and religion like? Did they actually practice human sacrifice?How did they use their stunning sculptures and brilliant artwork as a type of propaganda?Were they really one of the first civilizations to require education for all classes and both boys and girls?What did they eat? Was it anything like present-day Mexican food?How did the common people live? What did they do for fun?What did the Aztecs do when the Spaniards landed in their territory?How did conquistador Hernán Cortés cunningly form alliances with the Aztecs’ enemies?And much, much more!Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about the incredible Aztecs! Read more

This authoritative volume has been revised throughout and expanded, with stunning new images and accounts of the major discoveries of recent years. Recent findings have been added to expand our understanding of the Olmecs outside of their heartland, and new research on the legacy of the Maya offers a wider and more cohesive narrative of Mexico’s history. New co-author Javier Urcid has added greater coverage of Oaxaca and of Monté Alban, one of the earliest cities in Mesoamerica and the center of the Zapotec civilization, and a fully revised Epilogue discusses the survival of indigenous populations in Mexico from the Conquest up to the present. This longstanding classic now features full-colour photos of the vibrant art and architecture of ancient Mesoamerica throughout. Read more

In November 1519, Hernando Cortés walked along a causeway leading to the capital of the Aztec kingdom and came face to face with Moctezuma. That story--and the story of what happened afterwards--has been told many times, but always following the narrative offered by the Spaniards. After all, we have been taught, it was the Europeans who held the pens. But the Native Americans were intrigued by the Roman alphabet and, unbeknownst to the newcomers, they used it to write detailed histories in their own language of Nahuatl. Until recently, these sources remained obscure, only partially translated, and rarely consulted by scholars. For the first time, in Fifth Sun, the history of the Aztecs is offered in all its complexity based solely on the texts written by the indigenous people themselves. Camilla Townsend presents an accessible and humanized depiction of these native Mexicans, rather than seeing them as the exotic, bloody figures of European stereotypes. The conquest, in this work, is neither an apocalyptic moment, nor an origin story launching Mexicans into existence. The Mexica people had a history of their own long before the Europeans arrived and did not simply capitulate to Spanish culture and colonization. Instead, they realigned their political allegiances, accommodated new obligations, adopted new technologies, and endured. This engaging revisionist history of the Aztecs, told through their own words, explores the experience of a once-powerful people facing the trauma of conquest and finding ways to survive, offering an empathetic interpretation for experts and non-specialists alike. Read more

Are the Mayans still around?What is the importance of Chichen Itza’s discovery?How did this mighty civilization fall? If you want answers to these intriguing questions, then keep reading…The Mayans created an amazing society, full of surprises that keep us guessing how these people came to be and why – exactly – their civilization fell. Theories abound, archeologic discoveries both perplex and inspire us, but one thing remains: their story reads much more like our recent past than you’d ever imagined!This book takes readers on a journey that few have taken, deep into the Mayans' lineage, customs, politics, and daily life. Join us as we delve deep into the Maya story, uncovering stories, facts, and theories about this important – yet perplexing – society:The bitter irony of Catholicism’s spread in Maya cultureWho was the “mother civilization” of Mesoamerica?Did they really practice human sacrifice?A different kind of calendar...What inspired the rise of city-states in this ancient culture?Did the Maya develop the wheel?How – and what did they use – to make paintWere the Maya peaceful?Inventions galore – but what did they invent that we still use today?Why – and how – did the Spanish decide to conquer the Maya?Did a megadrought kill off the Mayans?Heavens, Earth, and Underground: Not just for HobbitsHow did the large cities influence Mayan society – and who ruled them?You’ll learn some fun facts – but will also be challenged with archaeologically-puzzling discoveries and learn of one man who escaped death-by-politics. (Exile wasn’t good enough for some Mayan leaders; they meant to exterminate those who opposed them!)Grab your copy of this book, and dive into the many astonishing elements of this ancient civilization! Read more

- A ten-step technique, based on the teachings of the Toltecs, that allows the reader to heal from traumatic life events and emerge with new energy and direction. - Introduces the practice of Recapitulation, a method used by the indigenous people of Mexico to restore balance to the psyche. - Ideal for people suffering the effects of childhood trauma, broken relationships, abuse, depression, anxiety, and other psychological stresses What if it were possible to revisit the traumatic or difficult events of our past and emerge renewed, re-energized, and healed from the damage left within us by these events? The practice of Recapitulation can do just this through a series of energetic exercises that can ultimately free us from the repetitive emotional conflicts and persistent negative patterns that often result from trauma. Victor Sanchez shares with the reader both the philosophy and practical applications of this ancient Toltec technique. Anyone who has lived through a long, difficult experience--perhaps a serious illness, broken relationship, sexual abuse, or a childhood spent in a divisive family environment--can benefit from this process. Recapitulation makes it possible to actually relive and resolve the events that have caused emotional distress. In this clear and straightforward workbook, the author guides readers through the ten steps of Recapitulation and invites them to experience the powerful and positive new energy that results from healing the wounds of the past. The Toltec Path of Recapitulation offers an ancient ritual of renewal for the contemporary world. Read more

In November 1519, Hernando Cortés walked along a causeway leading to the capital of the Aztec kingdom and came face to face with Moctezuma. That story--and the story of what happened afterwards--has been told many times, but always following the narrative offered by the Spaniards. After all, we have been taught, it was the Europeans who held the pens. But the Native Americans were intrigued by the Roman alphabet and, unbeknownst to the newcomers, they used it to write detailed histories in their own language of Nahuatl. Until recently, these sources remained obscure, only partially translated, and rarely consulted by scholars. For the first time, in Fifth Sun, the history of the Aztecs is offered in all its complexity based solely on the texts written by the indigenous people themselves. Camilla Townsend presents an accessible and humanized depiction of these native Mexicans, rather than seeing them as the exotic, bloody figures of European stereotypes. The conquest, in this work, is neither an apocalyptic moment, nor an origin story launching Mexicans into existence. The Mexica people had a history of their own long before the Europeans arrived and did not simply capitulate to Spanish culture and colonization. Instead, they realigned their political allegiances, accommodated new obligations, adopted new technologies, and endured. This engaging revisionist history of the Aztecs, told through their own words, explores the experience of a once-powerful people facing the trauma of conquest and finding ways to survive, offering an empathetic interpretation for experts and non-specialists alike. Read more

'Hilarious, heartbreaking and utterly extraordinary.' Dominic Sandbrook, Sunday Times Books of the Year'Superbly entertaining.' Financial Times'Jaw-dropping.' Sunday Times'Fascinating.' Guardian'Gripping.' The Times'Terrific . . . A page-turning history of imperial hubris and nemesis, deceit and delusion, love and betrayal on a grand scale.' Sunday TimesIn 1864, a young Austrian archduke by the name of Maximilian crossed the Atlantic to assume a faraway throne. He had been lured into the voyage by a duplicitous Napoleon III. Keen to spread his own interests abroad, the French emperor had promised Maximilian a hero's welcome. Instead, he walked into a bloody guerrilla war. With a head full of impractical ideals - and a penchant for pomp and butterflies - the new 'emperor' was singularly ill-equipped for what lay in store.This is the vivid history of this barely known, barely believable episode - a bloody tragedy of operatic proportions, the effects of which would be felt into the twentieth century and beyond. Read more

The India They Saw Complete Collection (Vol-1 to Vol-4) (Set of 4 Books) by JAIN, SANDHYA: Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of India's history, culture, and heritage with The India They Saw Complete Collection. Spanning four volumes, this comprehensive collection brings together accounts from various travelers, explorers, and scholars who witnessed the wonders of India across different time periods. Delve into their vivid descriptions, personal narratives, and insightful observations, offering a captivating journey through India's past.Key Aspects of the Book The India They Saw Complete Collection:Multifaceted Perspectives: The collection presents a diverse range of perspectives from travelers and explorers who visited India throughout history. Each volume showcases different accounts, offering a mosaic of narratives that capture India's cultural, geographical, and social complexities from multiple angles.Historical and Cultural Insights: Through the accounts of these travelers, readers gain valuable insights into India's rich history, cultural traditions, and the way of life during various periods. The collection provides a unique window into the past, shedding light on significant events, landmarks, and societal norms that shaped the country.Personal Narratives: The India They Saw brings history to life through the personal narratives of the individuals who experienced the wonders of India firsthand. Their stories, impressions, and encounters offer an intimate glimpse into their journeys, fostering a connection between the reader and the travelers who were captivated by India's allure.Sandhya Jain is the editor and compiler of The India They Saw Complete Collection. As a historian and scholar, Jain has curated a comprehensive collection of travel accounts and narratives, bringing together diverse perspectives on India's rich cultural heritage. Through this collection, Jain provides readers with a unique opportunity to explore India's past through the eyes of those who have traversed its lands throughout history. Read more

"What a woman! And what a fabulous life to unearth. Zelia Nuttall was incredibly smart, determined, a divorced single mother in a man’s world, a great scholar, and an original thinker―yet today she’s completely forgotten. Merilee Grindle has dug deep into the archives and uncovered her fascinating story."―Andrea Wulf, author of The Invention of Nature"Zelia Nuttall comes alive in all her fascinating contradictions in Merilee Grindle’s capable hands...[This] biography challenges our modern smugness and reminds us that our roots as scholars are more complex than we often acknowledge."―Camilla Townsend, author of Fifth Sun: A New History of the AztecsThe gripping story of a pioneering anthropologist whose exploration of Aztec cosmology, rediscovery of ancient texts, and passion for collecting helped shape our understanding of pre-Columbian Mexico.Where do human societies come from? The drive to answer this question took on a new urgency in the nineteenth century, when a generation of archaeologists began to look beyond the bible for the origins of different cultures and civilizations. A child of the San Francisco Gold Rush whose mother was born in Mexico City, Zelia Nuttall threw herself into the study of Aztec customs and cosmology, eager to use the tools of the emerging science of anthropology to prove that modern Mexico was built over the ruins of ancient civilizations.Proud, disciplined, as prickly as she was independent, Zelia Nuttall was the first person to accurately decode the Aztec calendar stone. An intrepid researcher, she found pre-Columbian texts lost in European archives and was skilled at making sense of their pictographic histories. Her work on the terra-cotta heads of Teotihuacán captured the attention of Frederic Putnam, who offered her a job at Harvard’s Peabody Museum.Divorced and juggling motherhood and career, Nuttall chose to follow her own star, publishing her discoveries and collecting artifacts for US museums to make ends meet. From her beloved Casa Alvarado in Coyoacán, she became a vital bridge between Mexican and US anthropologists, connecting them against the backdrop of war and revolution.The first biography of Zelia Nuttall, In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl captures the appeal and contradictions that riddled the life of this trailblazing woman, who contributed so much to the new field of anthropology until a newly professionalized generation overshadowed her remarkable achievements and she became, in the end, an artifact in her own museum. Read more

According to one popular image, the Aztec army was a ruthless and efficient war machine, that established an empire by convincingly overwhelming its neighbors, sacrificing thousands to bloodthirsty gods along the way. From a contrasting perspective, its native warriors were no match for the modern warring methods of Cortés' greatly outnumbered Spaniards, who decisively defeated them. The reality of the Aztec warrior's ability and effectiveness lies somewhere between those two extremes, as this title makes clear. By examining the experiences of a hypothetical individual, Cuauhtli, this meticulously researched book shows that the history of Aztec warfare is much richer and far more complex than previously understood, and reveals the close relationship between social and military matters in Aztec society. Read more

William Hickling Prescott (May 4, 1796 – January 28, 1859) was an American historian and Hispanist, who is widely recognized by historiographers to have been the first American scientific historian. His works "The History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic" (1837), "The History of the Conquest of Mexico" (1843), "A History of the Conquest of Peru" (1847) and the unfinished "History of the Reign of Phillip II" (1856–1858) have become classic works in the field, and have had a great impact on the study of both Spain and Mesoamerica. Historians admire Prescott for his exhaustive, careful, and systematic use of archives, his accurate recreation of sequences of events, his balanced judgments and his lively writing style. Prescott started drafting the History of the Conquest of Mexico in October 1839. However, Prescott faced difficulties in writing the work which he had not encountered previously. There was relatively little scholarship on Aztec civilization, and Prescott dismissed much of it as "speculation", and he therefore had to rely almost exclusively on primary sources (with the exception of Humboldt). In particular, he considered Edward King's theory that the pre-Columbian civilizations were non-indigenous to be fallacious, although he was greatly indebted to him for his anthology of Aztec codices in the Antiquities of Mexico. (From Wikipedia) Read more

A New York Times bestseller!“Lively and absorbing. . ." — The New York Times Book Review"Engrossing." —Wall Street Journal“Entertaining and well-researched . . . ” —Houston Chronicle Three noted Texan writers combine forces to tell the real story of the Alamo, dispelling the myths, exploring why they had their day for so long, and explaining why the ugly fight about its meaning is now coming to a head.Every nation needs its creation myth, and since Texas was a nation before it was a state, it's no surprise that its myths bite deep. There's no piece of history more important to Texans than the Battle of the Alamo, when Davy Crockett and a band of rebels went down in a blaze of glory fighting for independence from Mexico, losing the battle but setting Texas up to win the war. However, that version of events, as Forget the Alamo definitively shows, owes more to fantasy than reality. Just as the site of the Alamo was left in ruins for decades, its story was forgotten and twisted over time, with the contributions of Tejanos--Texans of Mexican origin, who fought alongside the Anglo rebels--scrubbed from the record, and the origin of the conflict over Mexico's push to abolish slavery papered over. Forget the Alamo provocatively explains the true story of the battle against the backdrop of Texas's struggle for independence, then shows how the sausage of myth got made in the Jim Crow South of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. As uncomfortable as it may be to hear for some, celebrating the Alamo has long had an echo of celebrating whiteness.In the past forty-some years, waves of revisionists have come at this topic, and at times have made real progress toward a more nuanced and inclusive story that doesn't alienate anyone. But we are not living in one of those times; the fight over the Alamo's meaning has become more pitched than ever in the past few years, even violent, as Texas's future begins to look more and more different from its past. It's the perfect time for a wise and generous-spirited book that shines the bright light of the truth into a place that's gotten awfully dark. Read more

Brimming with intricate research and enduring wonder, The Passenger is a love-letter to global travel The Passenger collects the best new writing, photography, and reportage from around the world. Its aim, to break down barriers and introduce the essence of a place. Packed with essays and investigative journalism; original photography and illustrations; charts, and unusual facts and observations, each volume offers a unique insight into a different culture, and how history has shaped it into what it is today. “When you hold it your hands, The Passenger takes you back to another time, one when travel literature had a scent, and texture.”―Paco Nadal, El País“These books are so rich and engrossing that it is rewarding to read them even when one is stuck at home.”―The TLS“[The Passenger] has a strong focus on storytelling, with pages given over to a mix of essays, playlists and sideways glances at subcultures and thorny urban issues.”―MONOCLE“Half-magazine, half-book… think of [The Passenger] as an erudite and literary travel equivalent to National Geographic, with stunning photography and illustration and fascinating writing about place.”―Independent.ie (Best series of the year – 2021)“The Passenger readers will find none of the typical travel guide sections on where to eat or what sights to see. Consider the books, rather, more like a literary vacation--the kind you can take without braving a long flight in the time of Covid-19.”―Publisher's WeeklyIN THIS VOLUME: Guadalupe Nettel on Mexico City・Elena Reina on femicide・Yasnaya Aguilar on indigenous languages and racism・Valeria Luiselli on Frida Kahlo and “fridolatry”・Dario Aleman on the Mayan Train project, and much more…Mexico: once synonymous with escape and freedom, better known nowadays for widespread violence, narcotraffic, and migration. Sea, beaches, ancient ruins, tequila: under the patina of mass tourism there's a complex, neurotic country trying to carve out a place for itself in the shadow of its hulky neighbour. The most populous Hispanic country in the world, 89 indigenous languages are spoken: a contradictory legacy reflected in its political, social, religious (and food!) culture. With a fifth of the population identifying as indigenous, rediscovering and revaluing the country's pre-Columbian roots informs much of public debate. The controversial Mayan train project connecting Mexico's Caribbean resorts with the South's archaeological sites, crossing (and compromising) communities and forests, is a perfect example of the opposition between the two souls of the country. It's the drive towards resolving this contradiction, or better still learning to live with it, that will define the Mexico of the future.  Read more

Casi 300 años de historia se asoman en este original y divertido libro ilustrado que recupera los viajes, lugares, oficios, costumbres y personajes que configuraron el asombroso universo novohispano.Nueva España era un territorio gigantesco, comprendía de lo que ahora es el sur de Estados Unidos hasta Nicaragua. Millones de kilómetros cuadrados. Una vastísima región en la que convivían, no siempre armoniosamente, indígenas, negros, mulatos, mestizos, asiáticos, españoles y uno que otro flamenco, portugués e inglés. Eran piratas, monjas, caciques, virreinas, esclavos y burócratas los que andaban por calles, plazas, y sorteaban los peligros de trasladarse entre pueblos, ciudades y océanos... Contrario a las aburridas lecciones escolares sobre la época virreinal, lejos de los héroes y villanos de monografía, estas páginas nos recuerdan que, entre la llegada de Cortés y la Independencia proclamada por Miguel Hidalgo, existió un mundo complejo y contrastante que apenas se mantuvo en precario equilibrio. Escrito por la reconocida historiadora y escritora, Úrsula Camba Ludlow, Ecos de Nueva España es una apasionante y colorida travesía por los siglos que moldearon nuestro tiempo. ENGLISH DESCRIPTIONAlmost 300 years of history are covered in this original, fun illustrated book featuring the trips, places, trades, customs, and characters that shaped the amazing universe of New Spain. New Spain was a colossal territory, expanding from what is now the southern United States to Nicaragua. It was a vast region in which indigenous people, Africans, mestizos, Asians, Spaniards, and the occasional Flemish, Portuguese, and English lived together, although not always harmoniously. Pirates, nuns, caciques, viceroys, slaves, and bureaucrats walked through the same streets and squares, and faced the perils of moving across towns, cities and oceans. Stepping away from the tedious heroes-and-villains school lectures on the colonial era, this book reminds us that, after the arrival of Cortés in Yucatán and before Miguel Hidalgo's declaration of the Mexican Independence, a complex and contrasting world was built and maintained in a delicate, fragile balance. Written by the renowned historian and writer Úrsula Camba Ludlow, Echoes of the New Spain is an exciting and vibrant journey through the centuries that shaped our present. Read more

Nearly 300 entries, from accession to yoke, describe the main gods and symbols of the Aztecs, Olmecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Teotihuacanos, Mixtects and Toltecs.Introductory essays provide succinct accounts of Mesoamerican history and religion.This authoritative work is a standard reference for students, scholars and travellers. Read more

Mayans looks at one of the most fascinating and advanced ancient civilisations. Through structures as imposing as a sacrificial pyramid or objects as beautiful and complex as the Mayan calendar, readers aged 9 and up gain a picture of who was whom in ancient central America and how the civilisation in which they lived really worked.Perfect for Key Stage 2, each book in Great Civilisations approaches its subject through a scene-setting spread Who/where were the... then introduces the achievements of the chosen civilisation through 12 structures or objects, each of which illustrates a key aspect or theme. Writing, architecture, industry, warfare, transport and learning are all covered in the same simple, colourful and engaging way. Fact boxes and panels present incidental information and point the reader to the importance of parallel developments in other parts of the world. Read more