The Fundamental Principles of Old and New World Civilizations: A Comparative Research Based on a Study of the Ancient Mexican Religious, Sociological, and Calendrical Systems

"The Fundamental Principles of Old and New World Civilizations" by Zelia Nuttall is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the comparative research of ancient Mexican religious, sociological, and calendrical systems, while examining connections with other early civilizations. Nuttall's study is focused on the origins and significance of symbology, particularly the swastika, and its representation across various cultures, especially in relation to celestial worship and cultural practices. At the start of the publication, Nuttall outlines her scholarly journey, beginning with her initial study of ancient Mexican manuscripts, which unexpectedly led her to broader comparative research of Old World and New World civilizations. She discusses how her investigations revealed striking similarities in the cosmological concepts held by various ancient cultures, particularly emphasizing the connection to pole-star worship and the foundational principles of societal organization rooted in astronomical observations. By establishing a dialogue between the cosmological ideas of the ancient Mexicans and those of cultures in the Old World, Nuttall lays the groundwork for an in-depth exploration of how these interconnected beliefs shaped the civilizations in both hemispheres.