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Ancient Civilizations of Central and South America: An Enthralling Introduction to the Olmecs, Maya, Toltecs, Aztecs, and Incas
If you want to discover the enthralling history of ancient civilizations of Central and South America, then keep reading…
Central and South America were full of great civilizations. This book discusses five of the most the Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, Incas, and Maya. These civilizations first showed up in Central and South America over one thousand years ago, and some descendants of these tribes are still living in these regions today!
Each of these civilizations added something to history. In this book, we will look at areas of ancient Mesoamerican and South American life, such as how commoners and kings lived, what their buildings looked like, and what caused the civilizations to come to an end. Each chapter will also include beautiful pictures to help show their artwork, writing, and beautiful architectural feats.
Of course, we know more about some civilizations than others. The Olmecs are almost a complete mystery, the Toltecs are a little less mysterious, the Maya left behind great written records, and the Spanish were able to talk to and write about both the Aztecs and Incas! Because of this, some chapters will focus more on leaders that we have written records about, while some will focus more on architectural ruins and artwork that we don’t need writing to appreciate. Either way, each chapter is sure to have something to interest every history fan.
Some of the fascinating things you will learn in this book include the the Maya calendar actually predict the end of the world?How did the Olmecs make their giant head sculptures?How did the Toltecs influence other civilizations?Why are some ancient leaders also gods in some Mesoamerican religions?Who was Montezuma II?How did the Spanish conquistadors impact these civilizations?What led to their decline?And much, much more!
Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to read this captivating introduction to pre-Columbian civilizations!
Central and South America were full of great civilizations. This book discusses five of the most the Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, Incas, and Maya. These civilizations first showed up in Central and South America over one thousand years ago, and some descendants of these tribes are still living in these regions today!
Each of these civilizations added something to history. In this book, we will look at areas of ancient Mesoamerican and South American life, such as how commoners and kings lived, what their buildings looked like, and what caused the civilizations to come to an end. Each chapter will also include beautiful pictures to help show their artwork, writing, and beautiful architectural feats.
Of course, we know more about some civilizations than others. The Olmecs are almost a complete mystery, the Toltecs are a little less mysterious, the Maya left behind great written records, and the Spanish were able to talk to and write about both the Aztecs and Incas! Because of this, some chapters will focus more on leaders that we have written records about, while some will focus more on architectural ruins and artwork that we don’t need writing to appreciate. Either way, each chapter is sure to have something to interest every history fan.
Some of the fascinating things you will learn in this book include the the Maya calendar actually predict the end of the world?How did the Olmecs make their giant head sculptures?How did the Toltecs influence other civilizations?Why are some ancient leaders also gods in some Mesoamerican religions?Who was Montezuma II?How did the Spanish conquistadors impact these civilizations?What led to their decline?And much, much more!
Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to read this captivating introduction to pre-Columbian civilizations!
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2022
155 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 16, 2024
I'm pretty sure I got this book free on an Amazon event because it's rare I pay for books that are this short (no hate to novellas I just don't get on with the length). This isn't a novella though but a very high level and basic introduction to five of the civilisations of Mexico, Columbia and Peru.
Taken as a high level view this book is fine, mixing an informal tone with educational matters means younger readers would likely enjoy this (it reminds me a little of Horrible Histories). As an adult though I found it lacking, I definitely didn't realise this wasn't an in-depth view of these cultures.
The writing is adequate but often repeats itself, but it did it's job.
Taken as a high level view this book is fine, mixing an informal tone with educational matters means younger readers would likely enjoy this (it reminds me a little of Horrible Histories). As an adult though I found it lacking, I definitely didn't realise this wasn't an in-depth view of these cultures.
The writing is adequate but often repeats itself, but it did it's job.
June 30, 2022
I would like to recommend the book “Ancient Civilizations of Central and South America an Enthralling Introduction to the Olmecs, Maya, Toltecs, Aztecs, and Incas” It is an excellent and brief introduction to the subject.
I heard of civilizations I never heard of Olmecs, Toltecs, and others mentioned in the book. Each section covers a brief history, a brief overview of the religion, and what happened to that civilization.
I highly recommend “Ancient Civilizations of Center and South America an Enthralling Introduction to the Olmecs, Mayas, Toltecs, Aztecs, and Incas as an introduction on the subject. The book is a short read, and the book will whet your appetite for more reading.
Russell V. Rittenhouse M.Ed.
I heard of civilizations I never heard of Olmecs, Toltecs, and others mentioned in the book. Each section covers a brief history, a brief overview of the religion, and what happened to that civilization.
I highly recommend “Ancient Civilizations of Center and South America an Enthralling Introduction to the Olmecs, Mayas, Toltecs, Aztecs, and Incas as an introduction on the subject. The book is a short read, and the book will whet your appetite for more reading.
Russell V. Rittenhouse M.Ed.
July 10, 2022
The goal of this book is to discuss five of the most impressive tribes and civilizations of ancient Central and South America. That includes the Aztecs, Incas, Maya, Olmecs, and Toltecs. Of these five, the least is known about the Olmecs and Toltecs. Most of these civilizations petered out about the time of the Spanish conquistadors in the Americas. This is a quick overview; the maps and photos added much to the text.
October 3, 2023
3 ⭐️
It does what it claims to be doing: a very short and quick overview of the ancient civilisations of Central and South America.
The writing style feels much like a middle school presentation, with exclamation marks and repetitions - although the repetitions could be excused by the similarities between the civilisations, but there would have been so many other ways of presenting the information.
I must give it credit for properly quoting its sources though.
It does what it claims to be doing: a very short and quick overview of the ancient civilisations of Central and South America.
The writing style feels much like a middle school presentation, with exclamation marks and repetitions - although the repetitions could be excused by the similarities between the civilisations, but there would have been so many other ways of presenting the information.
I must give it credit for properly quoting its sources though.
April 9, 2024
interesting look at a bit of history
This is a pretty quick read about a bit of history that a lot of people might not know a lot about. Interesting facts and a pretty quick synopsis on each. It will at least give you something to think about and maybe interest you into looking into it further.
This is a pretty quick read about a bit of history that a lot of people might not know a lot about. Interesting facts and a pretty quick synopsis on each. It will at least give you something to think about and maybe interest you into looking into it further.
August 2, 2024
Exactly what you need to know to get hooked up on a specific civilization and decide to investigate further. This book summarizes 5 of the most important ancient civilizations of Central and South America in a way that's easy to understand without getting overwhelmed with the information. It's a good book to get started and well-cited too.
July 4, 2022
A succinct, concise and good account of the rise and fall of the ancient and medieval
Central American empires and their demise. I feel I got a good overview of the Mayan,
Aztec, Olmec, Toltec and Inca civilizations.
Central American empires and their demise. I feel I got a good overview of the Mayan,
Aztec, Olmec, Toltec and Inca civilizations.
July 16, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a nice quick overview of the different civilizations aided by nice pictures. It is enough to tweak your interest to explore more about each of these civilizations.
December 21, 2025
Terribly surface level and at points superficial; I would go as far to say it was cavalier. Still, a reasonable birds-eye view of Mesoamérican and South American cultures. The prose is elementary, like a high school essay without any personalised flair.
October 18, 2022
I am have and OBSSESION with the Enthralling History books. I don't know how many I have read now but so much history and culture explain. Definitely reccomend
December 19, 2023
Very informative.
December 23, 2023
Good information
It gave some known and unknown info on these cultures. Reading the series for and with my grandchildren. Love it.
It gave some known and unknown info on these cultures. Reading the series for and with my grandchildren. Love it.
December 7, 2024
By Quetzalcoatl's feathered scales I enjoyed this.
November 9, 2025
A very basic book giving some up to date information. Easy to read and useful.
October 30, 2022
I was disappointed with this book. I was hoping for a little more. Enthralling history does a good job of providing summaries of its subjects. This book does this but misses so much more.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews