The Ancient Cities of the New World: Being Travels and Explorations in Mexico and Central America from 1857–1882 (Cambridge Library Collection - Archaeology)
Cambridge University Press, 11/20/2013
EAN 9781108061339, ISBN10: 1108061338
Paperback, 552 pages, 29.7 x 21 x 3.2 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
Beautifully illustrated throughout, this English translation of Désiré Charnay's record of his travels among the ancient cities of Mexico and Central America was first published in 1887. Born in France, Charnay (1828–1915) travelled extensively through commissions from the French government and with private patronage. He made several visits to the region between 1857 and 1886, producing in his work both a journal of his adventures and an archaeological examination of past civilisations. Beginning in Mexico, Charnay notably examines the ancient city of Tula and also the history of Yucatán, discussing aspects of Toltec and Mayan culture. He explores the ruins of Chichen Itza, Kabah and Yaxchilan (which Charnay dubbed 'Lorillard Town' after a benefactor), among many other settlements. Surveying art, pyramid architecture, ancient customs and history based on extant sources, this account was a major contribution in its field and remains of interest to scholars of Latin American archaeology.
Preface
1. Vera Cruz and Puebla
2. Mexico
3. The Indins
4. Tula
5. Pyramid of the sun
6. Palpan and the Toltecs
7. Teotihuacan
8. Teotihuacan (cont.)
9. Mountain exploration
10. Tenenepanco and Nahualac cemeteries
11. Bellote
12. Comalcalco
13. Las Playas and Palenque
14. Palenque temples
15. Yucatan, Merida, and the Maya race
16. Ake and Izamal
17. Izamal en route for Chichen
18. Chichen-Otza
19. Kabah abd Uxmal
20. Uxmal
21. Campeche and Tenosique
22. Lorillard town
23. Peten, Tayasal, Tikal, and Copan
24. Tumbala, S. Cristobal, Mitla
Notes.