Combines accessible and extremely readable scholarship with imaginative design to explore humankind"s spiritual relationship with the Earth and its most sacred ancient structures. This is a magnificently illustrated world survey of a broad range of ancient sites and their significance. Includes extended picture essays, with maps, photos, and artworks on 26 key sites, such as the Parthenon of ancient Athens and the holy River Ganges in India. The thematic organization brings focus on fascinating universal themes. The thread that ties the book together is the idea of the Earth as a reservoir of energy and spiritual power. Concludes with a reference section with a time chart, survey of contemporary documents, and a glossary of special terms.