Religion and Empire: The Dynamics of Aztec and Inca Expansionism

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Religion and Empire: The Dynamics of Aztec and Inca Expansionism
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Geoffrey W. Conrad
By (author) Arthur A. Demarest
SeriesNew Studies in Archaeology
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:280
Dimensions(mm): Height 228,Width 153
Category/GenreArchaeology by period and region
ISBN/Barcode 9780521318969
ClassificationsDewey:972.01
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 31 August 1984
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Religion and Empire is an innovative and provocative study of the two largest states of the Precolumbian Americas, the Aztec and Inca Empires. By examining the causes of the formation and expansion of these two empires, the authors identify similar patterns and processes underlying their rise and decline. They demonstrate that in both examples among the critical elements in the transition from marginal people to imperial power to disintegrating society were changes in traditional religion, including the elaboration of Aztec human sacrifice and Inca worship of the corpses of their kings. The authors show that the complex interaction between such ideological shifts and political and economic factors generated the spectacular historical trajectories of these Pre-Colombian empires.

Reviews

'... compulsive reading, innovative and provoking.' New Scientist