ENCOUNTER THE ANCIENT PAST OF MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA “This is a book that gets to the heart of the Maya and Aztec civilizations.”—Tony Morrison, author of Pathways of the Gods and photographer. The definitive chronicle of ancient peoples including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, Mixtec, Toltec and Zapotec. Uncovers the rise and fall of the many different empires of Mexico and Central America – their political and military campaigns, their legends and myths, and their art, architecture and social history. Ground plans and detailed photographs explore more than 20 magnificent and vitally important World Heritage sites, including Teotihuacán, Tenochtitlán, Chichén Itzá, Palenque, Tikal and Monte Albán. Surveys the region’s mythology, including tales of creation, earth and sky; legends of the gods, goddesses and heroes; and stories of fertility, harvest and the afterlife.