The Dawn of Tibet: The Ancient Civilization on the Roof of the World

Synopsis

Based On Decades Of Research, The Dawn Of Tibet Draws On A Rich Trove Of Archaeological, Textual, And Ethnographic Materials Collected And Analyzed By The Author. Bellezza Describes The Vast Network Of Castles, Temples, Megaliths, Necropolises, And Rock Art Established On The Highest And Now Depopulated Part Of The Tibetan Plateau. He Relates Literary Tales Of Priests And Priestesses, Horned Deities, And The Celestial Afterlife To The Actual Archaeological Evidence, Providing A Fascinating Perspective On The Origins And Development Of Civilization. The Story Builds To The Present By Following The Colorful Culture Of The Herders Of Upper Tibet, An Ancient People Whose Way Of Life Is Endangered By Modern Development. Tracing Bellezza's Epic Journeys Across Lands Where Few Westerners Have Ventured, This Book Provides A Compelling Window Into The Most Inaccessible Reaches Of Tibet And A Civilization That Flourished Long Before Buddhism Took Root. -- Publisher's Description. 1. Discovering The First Civilization Of Tibet -- 2. The Great Sky Realm : The Land Of Upper Tibet -- 3. Tillers And Herders, Warriors And Saints : The People Of Upper Tibet -- 4. From Sky To Earth : The History Of Zhang Zhung -- 5. Touching The Sky : The Citadels And Temples Of Zhang Zhung -- 6. Penetrating The Earth : The Burial Grounds Of Zhang Zhung -- 7. Flesh, Blood, And Bones In Stone : The Artistic Treasures Of Zhang Zhung -- 8. Father Sky Eagle And Mother Earth Serpent : The Religion Of Zhang Zhung -- 9. Horned Heroes And Turquoise Maidens : The Cultural Life Of Zhang Zhung -- 10. My Ancestors, My Gods : Zhang Zhung Reigns In Contemporary Upper Tibet. John Vincent Bellezza. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 321-335) And Index.