Mesoamerican History & Mythology

Aztec, Inca, Maya, Toltec, Zapotec & Central American Myths, Legends, Mysteries, & History Uncovered

By: History Brought Alive

Narrated by: Jack Nolan

Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

The history of Mesoamerica is rich, complex, and filled with mystery.

But for too long, it has been misrepresented, misunderstood, and overlooked.

Embark on a journey of discovery through Mesoamerican history, culture, mythology, and beyond!

But be warned—this audiobook is not for the faint of heart.

Inside, you'll gain insight into rituals, sacrifices, and societal structures that may challenge your preconceived notions. Nevertheless, if you can handle it, listening to it will be an eye-opening experience that leaves you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage of Mesoamerica.

We'll educate you about the Olmec civilization, the Zapotecs, the Mayans, the Aztecs, the Incas, and more. You'll discover their communication with the spirit world, their religion, architecture, agriculture, medicine, society, and history.

All of this and much more, including:

• Timeline of Mesoamerican history, major periods, and civilizations.
• The Spanish Conquest: Hernán Cortés and the fall of the Aztecs.
• The 2012 apocalypse myth and Mayan astronomy uncovered.
• Tracing the cultural and religious importance of chocolate from Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations to modern times.
• Exploring the impact of Indigenous peoples on architecture, agriculture, and medicine.
• The marvels of Machu Picchu and how the Incan empire came to be.
• Unveiling the Aztecs' expertise in warfare: Insights into the life of Aztec soldiers and their preparations for battle.
• How the Zapatista movement in Mexico is empowering Indigenous voices.
• And much, much more....

Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious listener, you will discover all you need to know about the true story of Mesoamerican history and mythology.

©2023 History Brought Alive (P)2023 History Brought Alive

A Good Survey of MesoAmerican History

At just over 3 hours (for 120 pages), this a a very brief overview of the history of Mesoamerica; a history that has largely been ignored by most people outside academia and tourism. As a summary, this was quite good; my only real compliant that it was way to short to be very satisfying, but what was they seemed to be well researched and pretty solid … in fact, the addition of the Teotihuacan civilization was new to me (I had previously learned the city was created by the Toltecs). The narration was good as well, especially with the many names and terms that I presume he was not familiar with, but I hesitate to mark it much better that having Alexa read it to you (it is tough getting a high performance score for what is arguably a history lecture). Regardless, I enjoyed the topic and would recommend it to any who are curious but have not yet started to explore mesoamerican history.

Chapter 1 - Mesoamerica (12:43)
Chapter 2 - The Olmec Civilization (16:06)
Chapter 3 - The Zapotec Civilization (17:02)
Chapter 4 - The Teotihuacan Civilization (19:23)
Chapter 5 - The Maya (19:45)
Chapter 6 - The Aztec Civilization (10:51)
Chapter 7 - The Incas (14:12)
Chapter 8 - The Spanish Conquest (14:05)
Chapter 9 - Mesoamerican Religion (14:32)
Chapter 10 - Mesoamerican Mythology (12:03)
Chapter 11 - Mesoamerican Legacy (15:14)

I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#MesoamericanHistoryAndMyth #FreeAudiobkFacebkGrp #KindleUnlimited

Educational and easy to understand

I truthfully enjoyed this book it was easy to understand and very informative. I loved the educational facts as well as the hypothesis of the author, science, etc. If you love books that are historic facts and educational, I would highly recommend this book because it breaks everything down to a basic level of understanding. This is my honest, unbiased review that I am leaving here voluntarily.

Not the history of middle earth you expect!!

"Mesoamerican History & Mythology: Aztec, Inca, Maya, Toltec, Zapotec & Central American Myths, Legends, Mysteries, & History Uncovered" is an exceptional audiobook that offers a captivating journey into the enigmatic world of Mesoamerican history and culture. Narrated by the talented Jack Nolan, this audiobook takes you on an exploration that is both enlightening and thought-provoking, leaving you with a profound understanding of the rich heritage of Mesoamerica.

The history of Mesoamerica is a tapestry of complexity and mystery, often misunderstood and overlooked. However, this audiobook seeks to rectify that by delving deep into the heart of these civilizations and uncovering their fascinating stories. Be prepared, though, for this audiobook is not for the faint of heart. It fearlessly explores the rituals, sacrifices, and societal structures that might challenge your preconceptions. Yet, if you are ready to embark on this journey, you will be rewarded with a deeper appreciation and understanding of Mesoamerican culture.

One of the most commendable aspects of this audiobook is its comprehensive coverage. It serves as an excellent introduction to the history and cultures of the Aztec, Inca, Maya, Toltec, Zapotec, and Central American peoples. The discussions encompass a wide range of topics, including art, agriculture, geography, and religion, providing a holistic view of these societies. Moreover, the audiobook delves into the Spanish conquest and the subsequent destruction of these political systems, religions, and ways of life, shedding light on a crucial and often overlooked chapter in history.

Chapter 11, titled "Mesoamerican Legacy - Little Pieces of the Indigenous Mesoamerican People in Our Modern-Day World," stands out as a gem within the audiobook. This chapter explores the enduring impact of the indigenous peoples of the region on modern society, from foodways to medicine, sports, and more. It is a testament to the resilience and significance of these cultures, and it beautifully bridges the gap between ancient history and our contemporary world.

I must emphasize that "Mesoamerican History & Mythology" is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the history, culture, colonization, and endurance of Indigenous peoples in Central America and Mexico. My encounter with this audiobook was made possible through a free advance copy for review, and I am leaving this review willingly because of the profound impact it had on me.

Ancient history often remains shrouded in obscurity due to the passage of time. The history of the Mesoamerican people is no exception, but it is a part of our past that deserves our utmost attention. The remarkable architecture found in the Yucatan and surrounding regions continues to astonish us as we uncover more about these fascinating civilizations. "Mesoamerican History & Mythology" by History Brought Alive endeavors to provide answers to the questions that arise when we contemplate the lives of these sophisticated ancient peoples.

My personal affinity for History Brought Alive's books lies in their ability to present history in a manageable and comprehensible manner. Reading and learning about history can be an overwhelming endeavor, but this audiobook, like their other works, offers bite-sized pieces of history that are well-researched and accessible. It allows readers to savor history at their own pace, making it an ideal choice for those eager to explore the past.

Mesoamerican history is a challenging subject to tackle, as it is marked by many gaps in our knowledge due to the lack of historical evidence. While this audiobook does an admirable job of presenting what is known, there is a sense that much remains unexplored. It is important to acknowledge that each civilization under the Mesoamerican umbrella, though sharing some commonalities, is also uniquely distinct. While the decision to focus on shared elements may simplify the narrative, it left me yearning for a more in-depth exploration of the individual cultures.

The audiobook's full title promises a deep dive into Mesoamerican mythology, legends, and mysteries. Regrettably, it only scratches the surface in this regard. To truly grasp a culture and its history, delving into its stories and folklore is essential. These narratives provide nourishment for the curious soul and offer profound insights into the beliefs and values of ancient societies.

One noticeable difference in this audiobook, compared to other works by History Brought Alive, is the writing style. At times, it feels excessively verbose, lacking the conciseness and clarity that make their other books so engaging. While it is not a major detriment, it can be distracting for listeners seeking a more direct and focused narrative.

On a positive note, the narration by Jack Nolan is commendable. His delivery is fair and easy to listen to, enhancing the overall audiobook experience. Nolan's voice guides you through the complexities of Mesoamerican history with clarity and enthusiasm, making it an enjoyable auditory journey.

"Mesoamerican History & Mythology" is a valuable audiobook that introduces listeners to the intriguing world of Mesoamerican civilizations. It offers a comprehensive overview of their history, culture, and the lasting impact they have on our modern world. While there is room for a deeper exploration of individual cultures and mythologies, this audiobook serves as an excellent starting point for anyone interested in uncovering the mysteries of Mesoamerica. Jack Nolan's narration adds a layer of accessibility to the material, making it a worthwhile addition to your audiobook collection.

short and concise

Easy to follow along. Good information without fluff and well organized. Looking forward to listening to other books like this.