Empires of the Maya (Great Empires of the Past)

The Great Empires of the Past set narrates the stories of the most important empires in world history and looks at their impact on the present day. Each full-color volume focuses on a specific empire or civilization, exploring its rise and fall, spheres of influence, key events, and significant personalities. Divided into two parts, the first section narrates the history of the empire from its roots to its final demise. The second part explores the culture, society, and daily life of the citizens at the height of the empire. Each attractive title features full-color photographs and maps, «Connections» boxes that highlight the effects of the empires innovations and institutions on todays world, and «In Their Own Words» sidebars that emphasize primary source documents. A chronology, glossary, bibliography, up-to-date further resources, and a comprehensive index complete these volumes, which are perfect for students conducting research or readers simply interested in these empires from the past. List of volumes: Empire of Alexander The Great Empire of Ancient Egypt Empire of Ancient Greece Empire of Ancient Rome Empire of the Aztecs Empire of the Incas Empire of the Islamic World Empire of the Mongols Empires of Ancient Mesopotamia Empires of Ancient Persia Empires of Medieval West Africa Empires of the Maya Long before European boats reached the shores of the Americas, sophisticated civilizations had already developed throughout the continents. The empire of the Maya, located in modern Mexico and Central America, influenced civilization there for centuries. The ancient Maya had fully developed the idea of the calendar, detailed a writing system, pioneered new ideas in agriculture, and built towering palaces and temples that still stand today. "Empire of the Ancient Maya" gives a brief summary of the history of the empire, placing it within the context of its time period and geographical location, and then explores the evolution of Maya civilization from its origin through the classic period to the Spanish conquest. Delving into daily life, the book includes Maya achievements in mathematics, astronomy, technology, political organization, commerce, architecture, and the arts. Gives a summary of the history of the Maya Empire, placing it within the context of its time period and geographical location. This book explores the evolution of Maya civilization from its origin through the classic period to the Spanish conquest. It includes Maya achievements in mathematics, astronomy, political organization, and the arts. History The preclassic era : dawn of the Maya The classic era : rise and fall of the superpowers The postclassic era : rise of Yucatán Society and culture Maya social structure Religion and ritual Everyday life in the Maya world. Recounts the history of the Mayas and describes their cities, government, religion, social structure, writing, and mathematics, as well as everyday life