Ever thought of becoming a bug farmer?
Or how about a stone slinger?

Imagine growing up in Mesoamerica before the Spanish Conquest (1350-1521). What does your future hold? The ancient Aztecs, Maya and other Mesoamericans believed that the gods created a world where everyone had a role to play. Some people were born to rule, others to serve. If you were lucky, you might have been a high priest or a queen. On the other hand, you could have ended up as a latrine boatman or a slave destined to become a sacrificial victim.

Find out what it was like to be a tax collector (don't try to keep any money for yourself; the penalty is death!) or a porter (only if you enjoy carrying heavy packs up mountains). Or perhaps you'd prefer building pyramids, raising dogs or being a royal cook (frog casserole with green chile, anyone?).

Other jobs you might have held include:

• Counterfeiter
• Bell maker
• Mosaic mask maker
• Beekeeper.

Featuring a fact-filled introduction, a timeline and humorous illustrations, this book offers a unique view of one of the most remarkable civilizations of all time.

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1912. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... The Point of View "Dog," said the Cat to a little fat spaniel coiled up on a rug, like a lady's muff with a head and tail stuck on to it; " Dog, what do you make of it all?" The Dog opened his languid eyes, looked sleepily at the Cat for a moment, and dropped them again. "Dog," said the Cat, "I want to talk to you; don't go to sleep. Can't you answer a civil question?" "Don't bother me," said the Dog. "I am tired. I stood on my hind legs ten minutes this morning before I could get my breakfast, and it hasn't agreed with me." "Who told you to do it? " said the Cat. "Why, the lady I have to take care of me," replied the Dog. "Do you feel any better for it, Dog, after you have been standing on your hind legs?" "Haven't I told you, you stupid Cat, that it hasn't agreed with me? Let me go to sleep, and don't plague me." "But I mean," persisted the Cat, "do you feel improved, as human beings call it? They tell their children that if they will do what they are told, they will improve, and grow good and great. Do you feel good and great?" "How do I know?" said the Dog. "I eat my breakfast, and am content. Let me alone!" "Do you never think, O Dog without a soul! Do you never wonder what dogs are, and what this world is?" The Dog stretched himself, and rolled his eyes lazily around the room. "I conceive," he said, "that the world is for dogs, and that men and women are put into it to take care of dogs; women to take care of little dogs like me, and men for the big dogs like those in the yard. And cats," he continued, "are to know their place, and not be troublesome." "There may be truth in what you say," said the Cat calmly; " but I think your view is limited. If you listened, as I do, you would hear men say the world was made for them." The Cat's Pilgrimage Jam...