"Read about the creation of people according to the Popol Vuh, the origin of the sun, moon, world, music, and four other important myths"--Provided by publisher
From mere mortals facing the gods, to brave men and women taking on the most difficult of challenges, Greek mythology is full of exciting and dangerous adventure. These myths reflect the actions, problems, and feelings that are common to all human beings. In HEROES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY ROCK!, author Karen Bomemann Spies concentrates on the most well-known of the heroes, including Heracles, Atalanta, and Jason and the Argonauts. She explores the relationship between ancient Greek hero myths and modern-day fairy tales. Expert commentary and question-and-answer sections supplement each story.
This fascinating narrative introduces young readers to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica. Evolving from their primitive ways to complex societies, these ancient peoples left records for archaeologists to piece together to glean what these peoples were really like more than 3,000 years ago. Among the civilizations examined are the Olmec, Zapotec, Aztec, and Maya. Lands, cultures, religions, and daily life activities are considered, as well as the colossal rock heads of the Olmec that still exist, the maguey plant that the Zapotec grew and used for making houses, and the temple at Chichén Itzá, among other remarkable facts and achievements.
The ancient Maya civilization had a complex social structure, set of religious beliefs, and writing system. These are just some of the fun facts readers discover as they learn what it would be like to live among the Maya. Readers enhance their knowledge of common social studies curriculum topics as they explore topics such as Mayan art, social classes, and farming methods. These topics are presented through detailed main text, as well as additional fact boxes. Vibrant photographs, maps, and historical images help readers see for themselves what Mayan life was like.
All of his life, Tototl has dreamt of becoming a mighty warrior. Now he is in school learning how to be one and it is far harder than he had ever anticipated. The hours are long, the work is hard, and the food is never enough. But serving the emperor bravely in battle is the only thing Tototl wants to do with his life and he is determined to do it well. Meet him, as well as the rest of his family, as they go through a typical day living in the Aztec empire: honoring their gods, preparing their food, training their young, and respecting their emperor. Enter the world of the Aztecs and follow their amazing rise and their tragic fall.
The myths of the Aztec and Maya derive from a shared Mesoamerican cultural tradition. This is very much a living tradition, and many of the motifs and gods mentioned in early sources are still evoked in the lore of contemporary Mexico and Guatemala. Professor Taube discusses the different sources for Aztec and Maya myths. The Aztec empire began less than 200 years before the Spanish conquest, and our knowledge of their mythology derives primarily from native colonial documents and manuscripts commissioned by the Spanish. The Maya mythology is far older, and our knowledge of it comes mainly from native manuscripts of the Classic period, over 600 years before the Spanish conquest. Drawing on these sources as well as nineteenth- and twentieth-century excavations and research, including the interpretation of the codices and the decipherment of Maya hieroglyphic writing, the author discusses, among other things, the Popol Vuh myths of the Maya, the flood myth of Northern Yucatan, and the Aztec creation myths.