The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the West
1453
The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the West
Robert E. , M.A., F.A.S. Anderson
1453
A historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the history and culture of various extinct civilizations in the Americas, including significant topics such as pre-Columbian discoveries, the Aztecs, and the Norse explorations of North America. It offers an in-depth analysis of how these civilizations contributed to shaping the region's history and the transformative impact of European contact. The opening of the work sets the stage for a thorough examination of the epochs leading to the Renaissance and the subsequent exploration of the New World. Anderson presents the context of 15th-century Europe while detailing early beliefs about geography and civilization, emphasizing the misconceptions that hindered exploration. The introduction hints at upcoming chapters that will discuss the Norse discovery of America, the Aztecs' civilization, and the implications of these historical developments, suggesting a rich tapestry of narratives that will enlighten readers on the remarkable yet often overlooked civilizations that once thrived in the West.
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Genoese navigator who discovered America in 1492. Convinced that the world was spherical and that he could reach Asia by sailing west. Died believing he had reached the eastern parts of Asia rather than a New World.
Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire. Characterized by military genius, unscrupulous policy, and extraordinary ability to govern men's minds. Studied law at Salamanca before becoming a soldier.
Last great Aztec emperor, described as tall, dignified, and melancholy. Despite his power over a vast empire, he was superstitious and believed Cortés might be the returning god Quetzalcoatl.
Indigenous woman who served as interpreter for Cortés. Understood both Aztec and Mayan languages and proved invaluable in negotiations and discovering plots against the Spanish.
About The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the West
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction
- Sets the stage by describing the remarkable fifteenth century as an age of discovery and the 'New Learning.' Explains why Europe was slow to discover America due to beliefs about the flat earth, and discusses ancient theories about western lands including Atlantis.
- 1
- Details the Norse discovery of America through Iceland and Greenland, including Leif Erikson's establishment of Vinland. Also covers Celtic, Basque, Jewish, and Italian claims to pre-Columbian discovery of America.
- 2
- Describes the Renaissance period and the great age of exploration. Covers Columbus's voyages in detail, as well as the expeditions of Cabot, De Gama, Magellan, and Vespucci, explaining how America got its name.
Key Themes
- Clash of Civilizations
- The book explores the dramatic encounter between European and American civilizations, showing how advanced indigenous societies like the Aztecs and Incas were destroyed by technologically superior but often morally inferior invaders.
- The Price of Gold
- The Spanish obsession with gold and silver drove the conquest of the Americas, leading to the destruction of entire civilizations and cultures in pursuit of wealth.
- Religious Conquest
- The Spanish justified their conquests through religious conversion, often destroying indigenous temples and forcing Christianity upon native peoples, though their methods frequently contradicted Christian principles.
Characters
- Christopher Columbus(protagonist)
- Genoese navigator who discovered America in 1492. Convinced that the world was spherical and that he could reach Asia by sailing west. Died believing he had reached the eastern parts of Asia rather than a New World.
- Hernando Cortés(protagonist)
- Spanish conquistador who conquered the Aztec Empire. Characterized by military genius, unscrupulous policy, and extraordinary ability to govern men's minds. Studied law at Salamanca before becoming a soldier.
- Montezuma(major)
- Last great Aztec emperor, described as tall, dignified, and melancholy. Despite his power over a vast empire, he was superstitious and believed Cortés might be the returning god Quetzalcoatl.
- Marina(major)
- Indigenous woman who served as interpreter for Cortés. Understood both Aztec and Mayan languages and proved invaluable in negotiations and discovering plots against the Spanish.
- Vasco Núñez de Balboa(major)
- Spanish explorer who first sighted the Pacific Ocean from the Americas. Originally fled to Darien to escape creditors but became governor and planned the conquest of Peru before being unjustly executed.
- Francisco Pizarro(major)
- Spanish conquistador who conquered the Inca Empire of Peru. Adopted Balboa's original plan and succeeded in capturing vast wealth, but was eventually assassinated by conspirators seeking to avenge Almagro.
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Robert E. , M.A., F.A.S. Anderson. The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the West. Lex, lex-books.com/book/the-story-of-extinct-civilizations-of-the-west-5cb7a058-0d57-4037-9c51-5c52a6446458.Robert E., M. (1453). The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the West. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-story-of-extinct-civilizations-of-the-west-5cb7a058-0d57-4037-9c51-5c52a6446458Robert E. , M.A., F.A.S. Anderson. The Story of Extinct Civilizations of the West. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/the-story-of-extinct-civilizations-of-the-west-5cb7a058-0d57-4037-9c51-5c52a6446458.
