Table of Contents
What are Myths? 4
What are myths, and how do Mesoamerican myths relate to the modern world? The differences between myths, legends, and fables.
Ancient Mesoamerica 6
The region of Mesoamerica and its different climates and landscapes. The role played by creation, nature, and landscape myths.
Religion and Gods 10
The importance of religion in Mesoamerica, and the many gods and their different roles. The cycle of life and death, and the gods of creation, rain, and death.
The Natural World 16
The often dangerous landscape lived in by the Mesoamericans. Myths about food, volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountains.
Daily Life 24
The layers of Mesoamerican society, and the importance of the family. Calendars and writing, and how the gods made people look different.
Trade and Warfare 34
Trade in Mesoamerica, and the importance of jade and chocolate. Weapons of war, and how Huitzilopochtli created the Moon and stars.
Mesoamerican Legacy 40
The modern-day legacy of Mesoamerica, as seen in numerous buildings, languages, festivals, and in design and style.
Time Chart 45
Glossary 46
Learning More 47
Index 48