Historical Sources

Documents, texts, and records that inform cultural and symbolic traditions.

Archive / Historical Sources

Florentine Codex – Bernardino de Sahagún – First compiled 1575-1579; modern editions available from various publishers, including the University of Utah Press.

The Florentine Codex provides an unparalleled, detailed account of Aztec life, culture, and beliefs as recorded by Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún with the help of indigenous informants.
It captures a pivotal moment in history, documenting a civilization undergoing profound transformation following the Spanish conquest.
It’s a complex work offering insights into Mesoamerican worldview, colonialism, and the clash of cultures.

Read More Florentine Codex – Bernardino de Sahagún – First compiled 1575-1579; modern editions available from various publishers, including the University of Utah Press.
Archive / Historical Sources

Folklore of the Irish Race – John O’Hanlon – 1870

John O’Hanlon’s Folklore of the Irish Race is a meticulously documented compilation of Irish folk tales and traditions, offering a valuable glimpse into 19th-century Irish culture. It represents an effort to preserve a fading oral tradition during a time of significant social change.

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Archive / Historical Sources

Facing East from Indian Country: A Native History of Early America – Daniel Richter – 2001

Daniel Richter presents a pivotal re-evaluation of early American history, centering the perspectives and agency of Indigenous peoples. The book highlights their active role in shaping the colonial period, challenging Eurocentric narratives.

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Archive / Historical Sources

Egyptian Book of the Dead – Unknown – Various editions; earliest fragments 16th century BCE, significant versions Ptolemaic & Roman periods

The Egyptian Book of the Dead is a collection of spells designed to aid the deceased in navigating the afterlife, offering insights into ancient Egyptian beliefs about death, morality, and the cosmos.
It evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in Egyptian religious practices and becoming accessible to a wider population.
It remains a foundational text for understanding ancient Egyptian culture and the universal human preoccupation with mortality.

Read More Egyptian Book of the Dead – Unknown – Various editions; earliest fragments 16th century BCE, significant versions Ptolemaic & Roman periods
Archive / Historical Sources

Egypt, Greece and Rome: Ties that Bind – David O’Connor, Andrew Shagam – 1998

This work explores the intricate cultural exchange between Egypt, Greece, and Rome, challenging Eurocentric views of history. It examines the profound impact of Egyptian civilization on Greek and Roman thought, art, and religion.

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Archive / Historical Sources

Desert Queen – Janet Wallach – 1996, Simon & Schuster

This biography explores the life of Gertrude Bell, a British woman who became a key figure in Middle Eastern politics and archaeology. The book examines her cultural immersion, political influence, and the complexities of colonial relationships.

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Archive / Historical Sources

Cosmographia – Gerard Mercator – 1595

Gerard Mercator’s Cosmographia (1595) is a landmark work in cartography, reflecting Renaissance cosmology, theology, and exploration. It reveals how perceptions of the world were shaped during a period of profound change.

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Archive / Historical Sources

Charaka Samhita – Charaka (attributed) – Various editions; commonly referenced is the edition edited by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya (1948)

The Charaka Samhita is a foundational text of Ayurveda, offering a comprehensive understanding of health, disease, and treatment rooted in ancient Indian philosophical traditions.
It meticulously details the intricate relationship between mind, body, and the environment.
It remains a central resource for Ayurvedic practitioners and scholars of traditional medicine.

Read More Charaka Samhita – Charaka (attributed) – Various editions; commonly referenced is the edition edited by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya (1948)
Archive / Historical Sources

Calendars and Years – Hugh Thurston – 1992

Hugh Thurston’s book provides a detailed historical overview of calendar systems, linking them to astronomy, mathematics, and cultural beliefs. It examines the development of timekeeping practices across Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Islamic civilizations.

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Archive / Historical Sources

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West – Dee Brown – 1970

Dee Brown’s seminal work offers a revisionist history of the American West, focusing on the experiences and perspectives of Native American tribes. It details the systemic injustices and cultural destruction inflicted upon Indigenous populations during the 19th century.

Read More Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West – Dee Brown – 1970