At an excavation of the Great Aztec Temple in Mexico City; amid carvings of skulls and a dismembered warrior goddess; David Carrasco stood before a container filled with the decorated bones of infants and children. It was the site of a massive human sacrifice; and for Carrasco the center of fiercely provocative questions: If ritual violence against humans was a profound necessity for the Aztecs in their capital city; is it central to the construction of social order and the authority of city states? Is civilization built on violence? In City of Sacrifice; Carrasco chronicles the fascinating story of Tenochtitlan; the Aztec capital; investigating Aztec religious practices and demonstrating that religious violence was integral to urbanization; the city itself was a temple to the gods. That Mexico City; the largest city on earth; was built on the ruins of Tenochtitlan; is a point Carrasco poignantly considers in his comparison of urban life from antiquity to modernity. Majestic in scope; City of Sacrifice illuminates not only the rich history of a major Meso american city but also the inseparability of two passionate human impulses: urbanization and religious engagement. It has much to tell us about many familiar events in our own time; from suicide bombings in Tel Aviv to rape and murder in the Balkans.
#1046561 in Books Beacon Press 2009-06-01 2009-06-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .76 x 5.50l; .75 #File Name: 0807000442251 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. More entertaining than educationalBy Trey MorrisThis was an entertaining book that presents readers with a bird's-eye view of how law and religion have clashed in American jurisprudence. It is not a technical treatment at all; and does a very good job of making the people whose names headed the Supreme Court decisions accessible. The book has the feel of a Travel Channel series and sometimes focuses a little too much on the author's story rather than the stories of the litigants; but it is an easy; enjoyable read that might teach you a little bit about the law along the way.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book. Easy read. Enjoyed every minute of the road trip.By Ali JaliliI'll admit it -- I read books very rarely. But I'm interested in church/state issues so I was drawn to this title when I came across it. Jay Wexler is a terrific writer and has presented the issues with two qualities unfortunately lacking in public policy discussions -- reason and humor! His humor and easy-to-follow presentation of legal issues make the book a very quick read. The road trip also introduces the reader to corners of America most of us will never visit or know. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the church/state debate. Even if you're not; there is a giggle on every page. Who can't use a little laughter? Wexler has even interested me in reading more books!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Legal issues but readable; part travelogueBy ollbThe book is about various church-state separation legal cases and he makes them surprisingly interesting and entertaining reading. He traveled to the various places associated with the cases and spoke with people involved.
