Based on their enormously complex calendars that recorded cycles of many kinds; the Aztecs and other ancient Mesoamerican civilizations are generally believed to have had a cyclical; rather than linear; conception of time and history. This boldly revisionist book challenges that understanding. Ross Hassig offers convincing evidence that for the Aztecs time was predominantly linear; that it was manipulated by the state as a means of controlling a dispersed tribute empire; and that the Conquest cut off state control and severed the unity of the calendar; leaving only the lesser cycles. From these; he asserts; we have inadequately reconstructed the pre-Columbian calendar and so misunderstood the Aztec conception of time and history.Hassig first presents the traditional explanation of the Aztec calendrical system and its ideological functions and then marshals contrary evidence to argue that the Aztec elite deliberately used calendars and timekeeping to achieve practical political ends. He further traces how the Conquest played out in the temporal realm as Spanish conceptions of time partially displaced the Aztec ones. His findings promise to revolutionize our understanding of how the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican societies conceived of time and history.
#486878 in Books 1989-04Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.75 x 6.50 x 1.00l; #File Name: 0029195616241 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Harrowing in the details......By Herbert BenkelI saw that the movie "Antrlhropid" was about to open; so I ran to buy the history. This is the story of the "Anthropoid" operation. It is put beautifully into the context of the participants and the time. This is a harrowing story of the terror of the moment; and incredible bravery. Without revealing much..... It DID change history!I now hope the movie is as good as this book....2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Czechoslovaka under Nazi occupationBy Federico German KleinThe Killing of Reinhardt Heydrich by Callum Macdonald is an important book for those interested in the Second World War and in one of the more important personalities of the Third Reich. The description of the life and character of Heydrich is specially interesting in that is shows the type of resentfull; chip-on your shoulder lower-middle class failures that were attracted to the National Socialist Party. Expelled in disgrace by the German Navy for conduct unbecoming an officer; and with nowhere to go; who would accept such a character but the Nazi Party. There is a detailed description of Czech politics before and after the occupation and the petty and ruthless mentality that guided Heydrich as the governor of the "Protectorate" Czechoslovakia. The planning and carrying out of Heydrich's assassination as well as the retribution that occurred in its wake; read like a suspense mystery. The book is a clear example and a warning of what happens when thugs both in Germany and Russia take absolute power.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very pleased.By Jaime CaceresI have not seen the movie; but have been to the church where the allies fought the nazis after they were betrayed. This book is very interesting and well written. Arrived sooner then expected. Very pleased.
