Maurice Cotterell, a mathematician and scientist formerly at the Cranfield Institute of Technology, was awarded in 1992 the Voluntariado Cultural medal for his contributions to Mexican culture. He is the author of the international bestsellers "The Mayan Prophecies" and "The Supergods". He lives in England.

Inca mythology tells of a tall, white leader who wandered along the coast performing miracles, a man they called Viracocha Pachamac, which means “God of the World.” Centuries later another great miracle worker, similar to the first, appeared and wandered the countryside, healing the sick and restoring sight to the blind. He, too, was named Viracocha. These accounts have long baffled scholars, as have the carvings left by the people of Tiahuanaco who preserved these legends.