[SES1066]

The Aztecs, the Mayans and the other now deceased indigenous civilizations that inhabited Central and South America were nothing more than brutal warring and invading savages.

I believe that you go too far on this statement when you put in "... nothing more than ...". They did bad things but they were, like the ancient Mediterranean civilizations, builders as well. Much of what we know about them is circumstantial as their growth was cut-off by the encounter with Spain and Europe. Would they have become 'great' like Rome (a close analog to Aztec) is only for speculation as a results.

FYI: I do recommend Mel Gibson's 2006 film, "Apocalypto", for a very good portrayal of the MesoAmerican people and culture at the time of the Spanish initial landings. Not for the squeamish as it does show good portrayals of ritual human sacrifice as well as battle deaths.

[Hot Tabasco]

I do recommend Mel Gibson's 2006 film, "Apocalypto",...it does show good portrayals of ritual human sacrifice as well as battle deaths.

I saw it and have visited and know the history of the Mayan ruins in Copan, Honduras. Human sacrifices was the daily norm so I don't think I was off base in my assessment of these long deceased civilizations......