"Ancient Tiwanaku synthesizes a wealth of past and current research on this fascinating high-altitude civilization. In the first major synthesis on the subject in nearly fifteen years, John Wayne Janusek explores Tiwanaku civilization in its geographical and cultural setting, tracing its long rise to power, vast geopolitical influences, and violent collapse. The author frames the study with a novel theoretical approach that emphasizes Tiwanaku's striking environmental setting in relation to its profound cultural diversity, vibrant daily rituals, and dynamic political history. He concludes that the Andean past sheds important light on current national ideologies and global geopolitics."--Jacket.