The history of stone carving dates to periods of time that go back before recorded history. These civilizations are believed to have been very fascinating and astonishing groups of people. They built vast cities, majestic temples and palaces and filled them with their history and beliefs carved in stone. The Incas were one such group. They were known for their ceremonial centers and fortresses built of stone. The enormous, irregularly shaped stones, weighing many tons, were cut with such high precision that a razor blade can not be inserted between them.
The Aztecs are another such civilization. In 1790, in Mexico City, a twenty-four ton "disk" known as the calendar stone was found and gained recognition as the outstanding artifact of the Aztec civilization. The Mayans also used stone to express culture and beliefs. They were especially known for their pyramids. These can be found in such places as Edzna, Plaenque, and Cholula which boasts as one of the largest structures in pre-Columbian America.
The Egyptians are possibly the best known stone carvers. They built huge pyramids and used stone carving to express themselves in many ways. Art to the people of Egypt was not an abstract concept. The works of Egyptian artists and sculptors served practical purposes. Every aspect of public and private life was involved with the pattern of religious belief. The statues and reliefs that decorate the temples, all carved in stone, represented this and linked the people with their gods.