The history of the Incas fascinates the modern world. This groundbreaking book separates fact from fiction, exploring the native peoples of Peru and the Andes, their mythologies and ancient belief systems, and the amazing beauty of Inca art and architecture. It opens with the culture and history of its many kingdoms and their mythological rituals and beliefs. The second half of the book focuses on the day-to-day lives of ordinary people and the beautiful art they created, such as ceramics, gold- and silverwork, and fabrics. This authoritative volume combines over 1000 striking illustrations with lively and engaging text. An in-depth history of the ancient peoples of South America including the Paracas, Chavin, Nazca, Moche, Wari, Lambayeque-Sipan, Tiwanaku, Chimu and Inca. Discover the breathtaking developments in Andean art, from the mysterious lines etched in the Nazca desert to the temples erected at Kotosh, La Galgada and Aspero. This large format new edition discusses the sophisticated politics, power and warfare with fascinating insights into the brutal rituals and symbolic complexity.

About the Author
Dr David M Jones studied Anthropology and History at the University of California, Berkeley. He obtained a PhD in the Archaeology of the Americas at the Institute of Archaeology, University of London. He is co-author of the Blue Guide Mexico and has written many articles on Mesoamerican and South American art for The Grove Dictionary of Art. He is also the co-author of The Mythology of the American Nations (9781843094036) and consultant on Aztec and Maya: An Illustrated History (Lorenz Books, 9780754834731).


Book Information
ISBN 9780754834939
Author David Jones
Format Hardback
Page Count 512
Imprint Lorenz Books
Publisher Anness Publishing