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Religion and Empire: The Dynamics of Aztec and Inca Expansionism (New Studies in Archaeology) (Volume 0) - Softcover

Book 5 of 45: New Studies in Archaeology

Conrad, Geoffrey W.; Demarest, Arthur A.

  • 3.87 out of 5 stars
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9780521318969: Religion and Empire: The Dynamics of Aztec and Inca Expansionism (New Studies in Archaeology) (Volume 0)
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0521318963 ISBN 13: 9780521318969
Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1984

Synopsis

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.

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Book Description

A provocative, comparative study of the formation and expansion of the Aztec and Inca empires. Argues that prehistoric cultural development is largely determined by continual changes in traditional religion.

Review

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

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Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Publication date
1984
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0521318963
ISBN 13 
9780521318969
Binding
Paperback
Edition number
1
Number of pages
280
Rating
  • 3.87 out of 5 stars
    39 ratings by Goodreads