Cités et ruines américaines: Mitla, Palenqué, Izamal, Chichen-Itza, Uxmal

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25097

Title

Cités et ruines américaines: Mitla, Palenqué, Izamal, Chichen-Itza, Uxmal

Language

fr

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A seminal photographic and architectural study of Mexico's ancient ruins, this volume combines Désiré Charnay's pioneering photography with Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc's authoritative analysis. It explores the origins of American civilizations, debating racial theories and historical connections between Egypt, Asia, and the Americas while documenting the perilous journeys through jungles and mountains to sites like Chichen-Itza and Mitla.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Cités et ruines américaines*, Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc and photographer Désiré Charnay present a comprehensive treatise documenting their expedition across Mexico and the Yucatán. The work begins with a philosophical inquiry into the origins of American civilizations, challenging the notion that indigenous societies were merely 'barbaric.' Viollet-le-Duc argues that the architectural sophistication of sites like Uxmal and Chichen-Itza points to a high civilization that predated the Spanish conquest. He suggests that the 'white race' may have migrated from Asia or Europe, bringing advanced knowledge that influenced local cultures, a theory supported by architectural parallels between American ruins and structures in Egypt, Assyria, and China. For instance, he notes Greek columns in Uxmal, sphinx-like figures in Izamal, and Assyrian intentions in Palenque's bas-reliefs. The narrative follows the authors' arduous journey from Paris to Veracruz, through the Valley of Mexico, and into the remote regions of Oaxaca and the Yucatán. The text provides vivid accounts of the dangers encountered, including treacherous roads, hostile indigenous groups, and terrifying encounters with jaguars in dense forests. Charnay's photographs serve as an immutable witness to the ruins, capturing them before significant modern destruction. Beyond the architecture, the book offers a cultural snapshot of mid-19th-century Mexico, describing customs, religious practices, and social hierarchies. The authors recount specific anecdotes, such as the capture of a jaguar, the construction of temporary shelters in the jungle, and the hospitality received from local populations. Viollet-le-Duc uses his expertise to reconstruct the original forms of these monuments, analyzing their styles and comparing them to global architectural traditions. He posits that while indigenous traditions often blend biblical myths with local legends, the physical evidence of these ruins challenges simplistic views of the past. The work serves as both a historical record and a testament to the complexity of human history, offering evidence of a sophisticated past that defies the era's prevailing racial theories. Ultimately, the book stands as a vital document of a Mexico on the brink of profound change, preserving the memory of these ancient cities for future generations.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Travel