From the archaic period, through the great Mayan civilization and the "Middle" civilizations of Olmecs, Toltecs and others, to the glory of the Aztecs, this classic study offers a comprehensive survey of the extent and variety of pre-Columbian civilizations in the New World. Profusely illustrated with 47 black-and-white plates, 86 text figures. New Introduction by Bruce E. Byland. Bibliography. Index, Map. Diagram of American Chronology. history; cultural studies; ancient cultures; indigenous peoples; archaic period; mayan civilization; middle civilizations; olmecs; toltecs; aztecs; pre columbian civilizations; new world; archeology; anthropology; european influences; american continents; european colonization; religious traditions; human sacrifice; gold; worship; ancient cities; agriculture; monumental architecture; earthworks; complex societal hierarchies; mayan records