The Sacred Maya Smoking Shell


Book Description

This is a story of the great Maya city of Lamanai [circa 650 A.D.] its ruins are located in present day southern Orange Walk District, Belize. The story of its ruler who was determined to help defend its sister city Chactemal from invading armies of the Far North cities at all cost necessary. Also of a young peasant boy whose name was Box Balam [Bosh Balam.] he was born and raised in the magnificent Maya City of Lamanai in the west banks of a beautiful lagoon. By the age of fourteen, he had his mind well made up. He would become a member of the famous and widely loved Lamanais Royal Pok-A-Tok team. [ball game] Nothing or nobody would stop him. After the sacred ceremony that initiated him into manhood to better prepare him in becoming a soldier and a member of lamanais royal ball team, he was sent on a mission that almost caused him his life. Boxs friends and mentor had been killed in an ambush attack by spies of the Far North cities, near the city of Altun-Ha. Having been inflicted with a severe wound, Box had fled into the inhospitable and dangerous rainforest but it was his only refuge. He had been wandering lost, sick, and weak in the jungle for days but his determination to survive and return to his beloved city of Lamanai, his people, and the girl he had fallen in love with, was great. Moreover, he was also determined to survive so that one day he could find and eliminate the people responsible for the death of his friends and mentor. For many days he walked through the rain forest, looking out for the enemy, and surviving on wild fruits when he came across two men who A story of adventure, war, courage, treachery, love, and rise to greatness in an ancient civilization.




Breath and Smoke


Book Description

Breath and Smoke explores the uses of tobacco among the Maya of Central America, revealing tobacco as a key topic in pre-Columbian art, iconography, and hieroglyphics.




The Ancient Maya


Book Description

"Comprehensive synthesis of ancient Maya scholarship. Extensive summary of the archaeology of the Maya world provides the historical context for a detailed topical synthesis of chronological and geographic variability within the Maya cultural tradition"--




Maya Pilgrimage


Book Description

It is said that travel broadens one's horizons. A pilgrimage, on the other hand, expands one's consciousness. The end result of a pilgrimage is the capacity to see the sacredness in the places that are visited. One such sacred place is the vast territory of the Maya world, where thousands of pyramid-temples form a network or web of interconnected sites. These sites - like Tikal in Guatemala and Copan in Honduras - are remnants of a complex and highly-advanced civilization that existed on the continent of the Americas, forming what was known as the Land of the Plumed Serpent. This mysterious and awe-inspiring Land of the Plumed Serpent is the subject of this book. Travel with the author on a pilgrimage of this land and explore the heart and soul of the Americas in Guatemala, where the Maya people to this day have preserved the ancient customs, traditions, and religion of their ancestors. Learn about Xibalba (the Maya underworld), the Popol Vuh (Maya Bible), 2012 (calendar cycle), Maximon (the ancient Mam of Maya mythology), the Milky Way (the double-headed serpent Kukulcan), and much more. Wander the streets of colonial Antigua, the ancient capital of the Spanish Empire. Sail the waters of Lake Atitlan, the heart center of the planet, and see the numerous indigenous Maya groups in their colorful traje (clothing). Walk on the black volcanic sand beaches of Monterrico, where the turtles reenact their eternal drama of survival. Climb the active volcano Pacaya and stand next to a flowing river of lava. Shop at the incomparable market of Chichicastenango in the Guatemala highlands. After reading this book, you will marvel at the beauty of the Maya world, and you will realize that the Maya consciousness is still alive and thrives in the Land of the Plumed Serpent.




Ancient Lives


Book Description

Theory and Methods in Archaeology and Prehistory Written for complete beginners in a narrative style, Ancient Lives is aimed at introductory courses in archaeology and prehistory that cover archaeological methods and theory, as well as world prehistory. The first half of Ancient Lives covers the basic principles, methods, and theoretical approaches of archaeology. The second half is devoted to a summary of the major developments of human prehistory: the origins of humankind and the archaic world, the origins and spread of modern humans, the emergence of food production, and the beginnings of civilization. Learning Goals Upon completing this book, readers should be able to: Understand the basic principles of archaeology Summarize the major developments of human prehistory




The Code of Kings


Book Description

This highly informative tour of a lost civilization discusses Mayan history and culture and focuses on seven sites that exemplify the Mayan tradition of using public places to record their history and belief system. Maps, drawings & photos.




The Popol Vuh


Book Description




Ancient Civilizations


Book Description

Drawing on many avenues of inquiry: archaeological excavations, surveys, laboratory work, highly specialized scientific investigations, and on both historical and ethnohistorical records; Ancient Civilizations, 3/e provides a comprehensive and straightforward account of the world’s first civilizations and a brief summary of the way in which they were discovered.




The Rough Guide to Guatemala (Travel Guide eBook)


Book Description

World-renowned 'tell it like it is' guidebook Discover Guatemala with this comprehensive, entertaining, 'tell it like it is' Rough Guide, packed with comprehensive practical information and our experts' honest and independent recommendations. Whether you plan to explore the Mayan ruins of Tikal, visit colonial Antigua or climb Volcán de Pacaya The Rough Guide to Guatemala will help you discover the best places to explore, sleep, eat, drink and shop along the way. Features of The Rough Guide to Guatemala: - Detailed regional coverage: provides in-depth practical information for each step of all kinds of trip, from intrepid off-the-beaten-track adventures, to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas. Regions covered include: Guatemala City, Antigua and around, the western highlands, the Pacific coast, the Oriente and Izabal, Cobán and the Verapaces, Petén and Into Honduras: Copán and around. - Honest independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, and recommendations you can truly trust, our writers will help you get the most from your trip to Guatemala. - Meticulous mapping: always full-colour, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Guatemala City, the western highlands and many more locations without needing to get online. - Fabulous full-colour photography: features a richness of inspirational colour photography, including captivating Lago de Atitlán and the vast Mirador basin. - Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of Guatemala's best sights and top experiences. - Itineraries: carefully planned routes will help you organise your trip, and inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences. - Basics section: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting there, getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more. - Background information: comprehensive Contexts chapter provides fascinating insights into Guatemala, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.




National Geographic Concise History of the World


Book Description

A chronology of world history ranges from the dawn of humankind to the present day, examining important events, milestones, ideas, and personalities that occurred simultaneously in different regions of the world.