The Cultural Evolution of Ancient Nahua civilizations – The Pipil-Nicarao of Central America (The Civilisation of the American Indian Series, Vol. #194)

Fowler's masterful study of the Nahua civilizations is comprehensive, readable, and eminent. While providing a detailed examination of all facets of these Nahuatl-speaking peoples, he tackles the central question of why the Pipil (Guatemala and El Salvador) achieved a state-level of civilization while the Nicarao (Nicaragua) lived in more loosely-organized chiefdoms. Topics discussed include migration, territories, ethnobotany, agriculture, ethnozoology, the Pipil-Nicarao at the time of Spanish conquest, trade and tribute, social structures, warfare, politics, religion, and world-view.