Books in Spotlight on the Maya, Aztec, and Inca Civilizations series

The ancient Aztec people didnt have grocery stores or shopping malls. How did they get their food? What was their clothing like? Readers discover the answers to these questions and many more as they explore the lives of the ancient Aztec people. The detailed main text provides an informative look at Aztec daily life, allowing readers to compare their life in the present to life as a member of the Aztec civilization. Full-color photographs and historical images accompany the text, helping readers visualize these essential social studies curriculum topics. Readers gain additional information from carefully chosen primary sources.

For hundreds of years, archaeologists have unearthed clues about the amazing culture of the ancient Maya. This book brings the culture of this ancient civilization to life. Readers will learn about the ancient Maya economy, technology, rituals and traditions, family systems, politics, and daily life. Primary sources such as artifacts and ruins allow readers to connect with the past on a deep level. Amazing artwork and photographs allow readers to visualize the backdrop of ancient Maya culture as it exists today and as its imagined to have existed hundreds of years ago at its peak. Readers are in for a thrilling adventure with this firsthand look into the wonders of Maya culture.

What was life like in the days of the ancient Maya civilization? Where did people live and what did they do each day? These questions and more are answered in this fact-filled book about the daily life of the ancient Maya. Engaging text and primary sources shed light on the many mysteries of the Maya people. Color photographs of existing architecture and artifacts, as well as artwork, will transport readers back to the days when the Maya civilization was thriving. This exciting book is rich with information about Maya culture, and its sure to stoke readers imaginations while giving them a deep understanding of the history of this ancient civilization.

Technology is guiding force in all civilizations. Readers discover the role technology played in ancient Aztec life through text designed to reflect essential social studies curriculum topics. Accessible text introduces readers to the technology used by ancient Aztecs, helping them make their own comparisons to the technology available to us today. Colorful photographs and historical images bring readers into the world of the ancient Aztec people. Primary sources are also included to enhance readers learning experience. What did the Aztec people use to make their tools and weapons? Readers will have fun finding out.

The ancient Inca civilization is known having a developed economy, but the people didn’t use money. In fact, the society didn’t have it. This is just one fact presented in this volume, which provides an in-depth look at the Inca economy. The title covers terrace farming, irrigation, livestock, and the role of mit’a labor in ancient Peru. Through the text’s coverage of the government’s distribution of goods and services, readers will understand why the society is sometimes called a utopia. Written with age-appropriate language and accompanied by highly detailed images, this title makes classroom social studies concepts accessible for readers.

The culture of the Inca Empire is defined by fascinating architecture, religion, farming, and technology, as well as a society that saw each citizen assigned to a specific task. This volume explores these fundamental social studies concepts, which complements classroom learning. Readers will learn about the Inca peoples contributions to their society, including the Quipu, clothing, festivals, and societal roles. Accessible language and thought-provoking images and primary sources help engage readers.

At their peak, the ancient Maya lived in one of the most advanced civilizations in the world. Their calendar system, celestial observations, and architecture give us clues to the greatness of their technology. This book introduces readers to the many unique technological devices and breakthroughs created by the ancient Maya. Readers will learn about the historical context of Maya technology through primary sources, such as artifacts and architectural ruins, and accessible, fact-filled text. Photographs of what the Maya left behind will give readers an in-depth look into the amazing creations of this ancient civilization.

The Inca Empire is known for its gods, famous rulers, and high priests, but the daily lives of the Incan people were just as important to the societys growth and development. This book covers the fascinating facts about daily life in the Inca Empire. Readers will delight in learning about Inca villages, the role of men, women, and children, and the farming and laboring lifestyle they experienced. Written with accessible language and accompanied by colorful images, this title presents fundamental social studies concepts through a curricular lens.

The ancient Aztec people had a complex and fascinating culture with their own religious rituals, ceremonies, and art. Readers explore the details of Aztec culture through informative text designed to reflect social studies curriculum topics. Full-color photographs and historical images allow readers to immerse themselves in this unique culture. Carefully chosen primary sources are included to provide a direct link between past and present. Did the Aztec people really perform human sacrifices? Readers will find out when they explore the incredible world of ancient Aztec culture.

Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the Inca people built a settlement thats in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape. This title explores the geography of the ancient Inca civilization, which extended well beyond Machu Picchu. Covering land from present-day Peru to present-day Chile, the diverse landscape affected all aspects of Incan society, from daily life to terrace farming and irrigation. Readers will learn how geography and climate played a role in the development of this civilization. Colorful images and engaging text based on social studies curricula support classroom learning.

Civilizations grow around the geography of their region. This book transports readers to the unique geographical features of the land that was once home to the ancient Maya. Readers will learn about landforms and natural resources that affected the ancient Maya civilization. Breathtaking photographs of Central America and the ruins left behind by the Maya will give readers a firsthand look at the landscape that shaped a civilization. Primary sources from artifacts to ruins supplement fact-filled text to bring readers on a field trip back in time.

What drove the Maya economy? What kinds of goods did people create and trade? Readers gain insight into these questions and more as they explore ancient Maya economic systems. This book provides archaeological evidence about the goods and services that existed in the Maya civilization through primary sources. Photographs of artifacts and ruins, paired with artwork and engaging text, provide readers with a well-rounded understanding of this ancient yet advanced economy.