Aztec, Inca & Maya Empires: The Illustrated History of the Ancient Peoples of Mesoamerica & South America

We know that Aztec and Inca power collapsed when faced with the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, but how did civilizations emerge in Mesoamerica and the Andes in the first place? Why were temple sites such as Machu Picchu and Tikal constructed? How did the Aztecs, Inca, and Maya manage to organize such sophisticated societies? And why did the Mayan civilization ultimately disintegrate? Ranging from art and architecture to war, religion, and mythology, The Aztec, Inca & Maya Empires examines, in 180 striking photographs, artworks, and maps, more than 1,000 years in the history of Mesoamerica and South America. Also featuring the Olmecs, Zapotecs, and Moches, the book expertly explores the mysteries of the Nazca lines, the Inca counting system, and just how many ancient cities might still be hidden in the jungles of Mesoamerica.