CHAPTER II

.

GENERAL VIEW OF THE CIVILIZED NATIONS.

The American Civilization of the Sixteenth Century -- Its Disappearance -- The Past, a New Element -- Dividing line between Savage and Civilized Tribes -- Bounds of American Civilization -- Physical Features of the Country -- Maya and Nahua Branches of Aboriginal Culture -- The Nahua Civilization -- The Aztecs its Representatives -- Limits of the Aztec Empire -- Ancient History of Anáhuac in Outline -- The Toltec Era -- The Chichimec Era -- The Aztec Era -- Extent of the Aztec Language -- Civilized Peoples outside of Anáhuac -- Central American Nations -- The Maya Culture -- The Primitive Maya Empire -- Nahua Influence in the South -- Yucatan and the Mayas -- The Nations of Chiapas -- The Quiché Empire in Guatemala -- The Nahuas in Nicaragua and Salvador -- Etymology of Names 81

##