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GJ

Gary Jennings

Gary Jennings was an American author renowned for his meticulously researched historical novels. Born in Buena Vista, Virginia, in 1928, he gained widespread acclaim for his Aztec series, which vividly explored pre-Columbian civilizations. Jennings, who passed away in 1999, was celebrated for his ability to blend historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, captivating readers with rich narratives that brought the past to life. His works continue to be appreciated for their depth and detail.

Book summaries for books written by Gary Jennings

Quotes

The Aztecs believed that the gods were born out of sacrifice, out of the blood and flesh of men.

Gary Jennings

religionsacrifice

An Aztec warrior can't be killed in battle unless he wants to be.

Gary Jennings

warcourage

The Aztecs saw the universe as a battlefield, a struggle between the forces of light and darkness.

Gary Jennings

cosmologygood vs evil

The gods demand blood, and blood they shall have.

Gary Jennings

sacrificereligion

The Aztecs believed that the gods created the world five times before, and each time it was destroyed.

Gary Jennings

creation mythreligion

To be an Aztec is to be a warrior.

Gary Jennings

warrior culture

The Aztecs were masters of agriculture, able to grow crops in the most unforgiving terrains.

Gary Jennings

agriculturesurvival

The Aztec empire was built on the backs of slaves and conquered peoples.

Gary Jennings

empireslavery

The Aztecs believed that the sun was nourished by human blood.

Gary Jennings

sun worshipreligion

In the eyes of the Aztecs, the most honorable death was in battle.

Gary Jennings

deathhonor

The Aztecs had a complex system of governance, with a ruler known as the tlatoani.

Gary Jennings

governmentleadership

In Aztec society, women held important roles as mothers, wives, and priestesses.

Gary Jennings

gender rolessociety