Dr. Anthony F. Aveni (Foreword) is the Russell Colgate Distinguished University Professor of Astronomy, Anthropology, and Native American Studies, Emeritus, at Colgate University. Aveni helped develop, and now is considered one of the founders of, cultural astronomy, in particular for his research into the astronomical history of the Aztec and Maya Indians of ancient Mexico. He has done similar research in North America, Peru, Israel, Italy and Greece. Aveni has involved his students in research through regular field trips to Central America and Peru to study history, hieroglyphic writing, calendars and architecture. In 2004, Aveni was the recipient of the H.B. Nicholson Award for Excellence in Mesoamerican Studies. He has more than 300 research publications to his credit, including articles in Science magazine, American Scientist, The Sciences, American Antiquity, Latin American Antiquity and The Journal of Archaeological Research. Aveni has written or edited more than 40 books, including Conversing With the Planets, a work that weaves together cosmology, mythology and the anthropology of ancient cultures, and Nasca: Eighth Wonder of the World.
