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Religion and Politics in the Ancient Americas: Routledge Archaeology of the Americas

Matthew Ward

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Religion and politics have been intertwined throughout human history, and the ancient Americas were no exception. In this fascinating and comprehensive book, Religion and Politics in the Ancient Americas, leading scholars explore the complex relationship between these two powerful forces in ancient Mesoamerica and the Andes. This book offers a unique perspective on the development of ancient American civilizations, providing valuable insights into the ways in which religious beliefs and practices shaped political structures and ideologies.

Religion and Politics in the Ancient Americas (Routledge Archaeology of the Ancient Americas)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11535 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	323 pages

Religion and Politics in Mesoamerica

The first part of the book focuses on the ancient Maya, Aztecs, and Incas, examining the ways in which religion played a central role in their political systems. In the Maya city-states, for example, kings were considered to be divine intermediaries between the gods and the people. They performed elaborate rituals to ensure the fertility of the land and the success of the state. The Aztecs, on the other hand, had a more complex religious system that included a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The emperor was seen as the representative of the gods on earth, and he ruled with the help of a priestly class.

Religion and Politics in the Andes

The second part of the book explores the relationship between religion and politics in the ancient Andes, focusing on the Moche, Wari, and Inca civilizations. The Moche were a coastal people who developed a complex religious system that centered around the worship of the sea. The Wari, on the other hand, were a highland people who built a vast empire. Their religion was based on the worship of a creator god and a pantheon of lesser gods. The Incas, who emerged in the 15th century, had a highly centralized religious system that was closely tied to the state. The emperor was considered to be the son of the sun god, and he ruled with the help of a priestly elite.

Religion and Politics in the Ancient Americas is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the complex relationship between these two powerful forces in ancient Mesoamerica and the Andes. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of religion, politics, or ancient American civilizations.

Reviews

"Religion and Politics in the Ancient Americas is a major contribution to the field. This book offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between religion and politics in ancient Mesoamerica and the Andes. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of religion, politics, or ancient American civilizations." - Professor Richard Blanton, University of Pennsylvania

"Religion and Politics in the Ancient Americas is a fascinating and informative book. It provides a unique perspective on the development of ancient American civilizations, and it offers valuable insights into the ways in which religious beliefs and practices shaped political structures and ideologies." - Dr. Elizabeth Klarich, Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection

Free Download Your Copy Today!

Religion and Politics in the Ancient Americas is available now from Routledge. To Free Download your copy, please visit the Routledge website or your local bookstore.

Free Download your copy today!

Religion and Politics in the Ancient Americas (Routledge Archaeology of the Ancient Americas)

4.6 out of 5