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Ancient Civilizations of North America

By: Edwin Barnhart, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Edwin Barnhart
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Publisher's Summary

For the past few hundred years, most of what we’ve been taught about the native cultures of North America came from reports authored by the conquerors and colonizers who destroyed them. Now - with the technological advances of modern archaeology and a new perspective on world history - we are finally able to piece together their compelling true stories. In Ancient Civilizations of North America, Professor Edwin Barnhart, Director of the Maya Exploration Center, will open your eyes to a fascinating world you never knew existed - even though you’ve been living right next to it, or even on top of it, for as long as you’ve been on the continent. 

The peoples of ancient North America were exceptionally knowledgeable about their environment, but their intellectual and artistic curiosity went much beyond the immediate need for food and safety. Beginning thousands of years ago, and without benefit of written language, native peoples became mathematicians, construction and soil engineers, astronomers, urban planners, and more. They developed thriving cities, extensive trade routes, canals to bring water to the desert, and earthworks we still marvel over today. 

In 24 exciting lectures, you’ll learn about the vibrant cities of Poverty Point, the first city in North America, built about 3,500 years ago, and Cahokia, the largest city of ancient North America. You’ll explore the many ways in which the Chacoan environment provided cultural and religious focus for peoples of the southwest. And you’ll learn about the Iroquoian source of some of our most basic “American” values. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2018 The Great Courses (P)2018 The Teaching Company, LLC

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Fascinating

Excellent series of lectures providing an overview of the ancient cultures of North America. Now if only travel would open up again so I can go visit some of these sites!

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Comprehensive exposition marred by PC preachiness

I have listened to all three Courses by the author on South, Central and now North America. As always he is erudite and enthusiastic. Sadly the PC thinking has become more overbearing. Other than that, a great primer.

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Required knowledge

For this reader few courses or books have filled in so many missing pieces or corrected as many misconceptions generated by a standard liberal education and mass culture.

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