Ancient Mexico

Mexico has a fascinating and distinctive history. This course will examine the various cultures that emerged there. It begins with the mysterious Olmecs who crafted giant stone heads from about 2000BC onward and laid the foundations of much of what was to come in Meso-America. Later came groups such as the Maya with their complex writing system and the Toltecs famed as craftsmen. Finally the Aztecs migrated into the region with their devotion to human sacrifice at their temple complexes. As well as the history of these people the course will examine the archaeological record and inquire into the belief systems that dominated Central America. An opportunity to explore the story of ancient lives in one of the lesser known areas of the world.