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This book is a fascinating exploration of the Age of Discovery when Western civilization first came into contact and conflict with all other peoples of the world. Drawing on primary sources and multidisciplinary scholarship, internationally renowned archaeologist Brian M. Fagan outlines the tragic effects of European civilization's first contact with non-Western societies, illuminating the resulting racism, ethnocentrism, and growing divisions between industrialized and traditional societies. This groundbreaking work covers a wide range of case studies from a variety of societies, including the Khoikhoi, Aztecs, Tahitians, Hurons, Native Americans, Maoris, and others. The author breaks away from the shackles of Eurocentric thought and reflects on the loss of cultural diversity caused by cultural conflicts. It can be regarded as an excellent research guide for cultural anthropology, world history, historical archaeology, ethnic studies or local studies. It is also an ideal choice for ordinary readers to understand the predecessors of economic globalization.