Four worlds will be working together to create a good fun Springfest in 2006, for everyone's enjoyment. The worlds are: The Americas, Celtia, Egypt and Rome.

If you would like to help plan, create, assist, or in any way be of service, contact Mangas Cochise, or leave a note on the Springfest 2006 thread. We're still in decison-making stages, and we'd all welcome your insights and ideas. Check that thread out periodically - something might just nudge you into participating.

The Fiesta Chocolate held by the Americas was lauded far and wide. Visitors from other ancient lands flocked to partake in the festivities drawn no doubt by the heavy scent of the flowering cacao tree and the generous hospitality of these ancient peoples.

Heavenly chocolate is a gift from the gods and must be celebrated in that spirit. It certainly beats the heck out of the humble ear of corn! And tastes much better it seems...it was rumoured sotto voce that a certain Roca was tempted to take a bite out of a certain Tullius but this reporter refrains from investigating further. Some things are best left...uneaten.

On another note, the Awash in Chocolate, the Scavenger Puzzle was a great success. Those players partaking were sent far and wide on a hunt for missing pieces of the edible puzzle. It slowly assembled piece by delectable piece. This reporter did find it tempting to join the hunt but one's duty to document said occasion forbade it. So the Puzzle winner and those compatriots hot on her chocolate-smeared heels were witnessed sliding in for the finish! Bree Burgundian is to be congratulated on winning first prize! Not to be outdone, Tobius Tullius, Glynnis Cumhaill and Asenath Amenhotep were gracious in accepting the Beyond the Call Awards for their endeavours. Homage is due to a certain celestial being whose ingenious puzzle provided a wonderful opportunity for international convivial fun!

The Discovery Channel reports this past December on an ancient Maya mural that is sometimes referred to as the "Sistine Chapel" of the Maya civilization. Discovered in 2001 by William Saturno within a pyramid near San Bartolo, an old Maya city, it dates to 100 BC. It appears to be the oldest complete mural yet unearthed in Meso America. The creation story it depicts is similar to that recorded in the later Dresden Codex (circa 13th century). It depicts deities offering gifts of a fish, a deer, and a turkey; and one standing in a field of flowers. These deities are seen as the son of the Maize god, who is also depicted. The entire mural stands 30 feet by three, and is in a room where the other walls had been demolished.

Please introduce yourself on our Welcome thread.
Then, check out the Announcements for messages pertinant to the Americas. You'll also view come-on's for other site events.
Once you know your way around, try out the Smoking Mirror Trivia, or pop in for a blue macaw and some friendly banter at the Inn of the Blue Macaw.
Arachne's Web is a great and friendly place to learn all about graphics and coding, especially the site-specific techniques.
Living in the Americas is new, and will provide you with some resources for building your home, and fitting in to Ancient Worlds, here in The Americas.
Newer yet is the thread to support article writers of The Americas -- this is both for people who are 'native' to The Americas to let us know about any article they write, or for anyone at all who writes about Americas-appropriate subjects, no matter their home world.

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Featured Articles:
An Introduction to the Classic Period Maya: Roots
by Zama Roca
An Introduction to the Classic Period Maya: The Political Maya
by Zama Roca

Group Spotlight:
Tahuantinsuyu. This group is dedicated toward the exploration and understanding of pre-Columbian Incan and pre-Incan history and society. Herein, learn and discuss the Land of the Four Quarters.

Member Spotlight:
Zama Roca. Zama is our local Tulum expert, and is busily creating a Hood-in-Progress, and writing articles, to express her love and fascination with this interesting locale in the Mayan world. She's long been dedicated to Ancient Worlds and the Americas, and is currently engrossed in developing fish aquaria. Check out her home for further info on Tulum as well as for a creative graphical feast.

Location Spotlight:
Machu Picchu. Created by our very own Leonardo, er, Apo Mayta Huacac, the resources at this location help flesh out what may have been the pinnacle (in elevation, at least) of ancient Incan society. Apo has designed a map, and described the significant locations within the main framework of this community.

Contributors:
Reporter in Cacao: Xochiquetzal Tupac