The Secrets of Ancient Ritual Sites


Book Description

Today, Stonehenge and Machu Picchu are two of the most iconic tourist attractions in the world. Each year, millions visit to learn more about the religious beliefs of people who lived long ago. This book details the significance of Stonehenge and Machu Picchu, the current theories about their usage in ancient times, and the aspects of these sites that are still steeped in mystery.




The Secrets of Ancient Egypt


Book Description

Howard Carter's discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb in 1923 sparked worldwide fascination about ancient Egypt, and the mysteries of the Egyptians still loom large. The Pyramids, the Sphinx, mummies, surviving artwork, and more all hold priceless clues about what life was like in ancient Egypt. This book takes a closer look at the information that archaeology has revealed and the lasting impact of these findings.




Secrets of the Ancient Incas


Book Description

An introduction to the secret teachings and ancient traditions of the Incas, covering initiation, tool gathering, shamanic work, the drawing of natural energies, and more.




The Secrets of Ancient Tombs


Book Description

Due to a lack of artifacts, certain aspects of ancient life remain mysterious to us. Luckily, many ancient cultures left behind treasure troves designed to stand the test of time: tombs for the most elite among them. This exciting volume reveals how archaeologists discovered the tombs of King Tutankhamen, Qin Shi Huang, the Lord of Sipán, and many more. Through full-color photographs, maps, and text that answers common questions, the book provides a comprehensive look at how these discoveries provide critical information about the lives, art, health, and religious beliefs of people who lived thousands of years ago.




Greek Mysteries


Book Description

Written by an international team of acknowledged experts, this excellent book studies a wide range of contributions and showcases new research on the archaeology, ritual and history of Greek mystery cults. With a lack of written evidence that exists for the mysteries, archaeology has proved central to explaining their significance and this volume is key to understanding a phenomenon central to Greek religion and society.




The Power of Ritual in Prehistory


Book Description

Secret societies in tribal societies turn out to be key to understanding the origins of social inequalities and state religions.




The Secrets of Early Christianity


Book Description

Artifacts related to early Christianity have immeasurable value to many different groups of people; they are prized by archaeologists, scholars, and worshipers for their connection to a religion that has shaped much of human history. Yet many of these artifacts, including the Shroud of Turin, are controversial. This book traces the beginnings of the faith through the objects associated with the religion's advent and describes what we know about the authenticity and history of some of the world's most priceless relics.




The Secrets of Early American Civilizations


Book Description

Television shows and movies emphasize gruesome rituals and violent warfare, but what was life really like in pre-Columbian cultures? This book presents a holistic view of Mayan and Amazonian civilizations and includes maps, stunning full-color photographs, and engaging sidebars about key figures. The book separates fact from fiction and demonstrates the rich history of the Americas.




The Secrets of the World's Seas


Book Description

Humanity's oldest stories and songs show that man has always been captivated by the mysteries of the sea. Though modern geographers and oceanographers have discovered many of the oceans' secrets, some stories about the water's strange powers remain popular. This book explains the tales surrounding the Bermuda Triangle and Atlantis, debunking myths through scientific and historical evidence.




Sacred Darkness


Book Description

Caves have been used in various ways across human society but despite the persistence within popular culture of the iconic caveman, deep caves were never used primarily as habitation sites for early humans. Rather, in both ancient and contemporary contexts, caves have served primarily as ritual spaces. In Sacred Darkness, contributors use archaeological evidence as well as ethnographic studies of modern ritual practices to envision the cave as place of spiritual and ideological power and a potent venue for ritual practice. Covering the ritual use of caves in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Mesoamerica, and the US Southwest and Eastern woodlands, this book brings together case studies by prominent scholars whose research spans from the Paleolithic period to the present day. These contributions demonstrate that cave sites are as fruitful as surface contexts in promoting the understanding of both ancient and modern religious beliefs and practices. This state-of-the-art survey of ritual cave use will be one of the most valuable resources for understanding the role of caves in studies of religion, sacred landscape, or cosmology and a must-read for any archaeologist interested in caves.