Sun and Sacrifice to the Gods: Aztec and Maya Mythology

Author: Time-Life Books
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
Features: This is a unique world history. Each book is filled with peculiar stories at the core of a culture, mysterious rituals, wrathful deities, and the pursuit of ghosts and symbols of magic—elements rarely found in most history books. Ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures, as well as those that preceded them, possess a complex and vibrant aura of mystery. For example, according to an Aztec myth, the sun requires nourishment from human blood and hearts to rise and set. In a Mayan creation myth, humans were born when the blood of the gods dripped onto corn created from bones. In many of these ancient cultures, real bloodletting and sacrificial rituals were part of their lives.
These fascinating stories are vividly portrayed in Sun and Gods of Sacrifice—Aztec and Mayan Myths, which is part of the Myths and Men series. We are thrilled to see this series explore world myths and their historical roots from a cultural perspective. Whether examining Indian myths, early American myths, or Greek and Roman myths, they bring ancient cultures to life in ways never seen before.
This is a unique world history. Each book is filled with peculiar stories at the core of a culture, mysterious rituals, wrathful deities, and the pursuit of ghosts and symbols of magic—elements rarely found in most history books. In the dawn of humanity, how did people around the world attempt to explain life, death, creation, love, and other mysterious phenomena of life? The myths in these books are crucial for understanding these perspectives, as they are the intersection of imagination and history, wisdom and experience, and dreams and reality.
In short, the stories told here have been passed down for millennia and remain unforgettable due to their enduring vitality.
Each book is filled with images of sacred sites, symbols, artworks, and mythological figures. For example, you will see the Book of the Dead from ancient Egypt, the Holy Grail said to have been used by Jesus, and the shamanic masks of Native Americans in the Americas. Additionally, each book includes historical overviews, maps, and more. The titles span across time and space.
These books are the crystallization of human thought and experience over millennia, a compilation of human ingenuity. They are not just a series of books; their rich content celebrates and continues the essence of humanity and the essence of humanity’s greatest dreams. You will find yourself turning to them again and again for enjoyment, inspiration, and enlightenment. Most importantly, these stories will provide us with a fresh perspective on history and the world.