Images

A map illustrating the various stages of Aztec expansion under successive rulers in the 15th and early 16th centuries CE.

The name glyph of Aztec ruler Ahuitzotl (1486-1502 CE). The image is of an Aztec mythical hyper-aggressive otter that lived at the bottom of a lake and ruthlessly preyed on any creature which approached the lake’s banks. The creature, often...

Statue of St. Gregory the Great in the Oratory of St. Barbara on the Caelian Hill, Rome.

A section of the decorated adobe walls of one of the palace compounds in Chan Chan, northern Peru. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu (Chimor) civilization which flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries CE.

Typical adobe wall decoration in Chan Chan, northern Peru. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu (Chimor) civilization which flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries CE.

Typical adobe wall decoration in Chan Chan, northern Peru. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimu (Chimor) civilization which flourished between the 12th and 15th centuries CE.

Mummy skulls from the Nazca sacred burial site Cahuachi, southern Peru. The site was in use between 100 BCE and 550 CE.

A plaza for ceremonial gatherings and burial mound at the Nazca site of Cahuachi, southern Peru. The 40 mounds at the site are built on natural hilltops using earth and adobe-brick retaining walls. The site was used for burials and religious...

A burial mound at the Nazca site of Cahuachi, southern Peru. The 40 mounds at the site are built on natural hilltops using earth and adobe-brick retaining walls. The site was used for burials and religious ceremonies between 100 BCE and 550...

A collection of objects offered to Lake Guatavita by the Muisca tribe of ancient Colombia. Includes ceramic vessels and is now on display in British Museum, London.