Spanning three thousand years of civilization, A Brief History of Central America presents a short but comprehensive history of this often volatile region of the world. It begins with the early pre-Columbian cultures and concludes with the political and economic challenges currently facing the seven nations that share the isthmus: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. A Brief History of Central America is unique in its use of the latest data--such as information on the end of the recent civil wars and the translation of Maya hieroglyphs--and ethnohistoric and literary materials to help readers gain insight into the region's diverse cultures. Written for a general audience, the history focuses on key events and broad cultural patterns that have shaped the region. Special topics include: The causes of unity and disunity on the isthmus Economic pressures on the rainforests from farming and tourism The fate of indigenous peoples and their cultures since the Spanish Conquest. Excerpted from A Brief History of Central America by Lynn V. Foster All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
