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Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory: Uncovering the Mysteries of an Ancient Civilization

Jay Simmons

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The Aztec civilization, which flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, left behind a rich archaeological and ethnohistorical record that has provided invaluable insights into their culture, society, and history. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of Aztec cities, temples, palaces, and other structures, while ethnohistorical sources, such as codices, chronicles, and oral traditions, have preserved accounts of Aztec life, beliefs, and practices.

Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory (Cambridge World Archaeology)

by Christopher Knight

5 out of 5

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Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeological excavations at Aztec sites have revealed a wealth of information about the material culture of the Aztec civilization. The Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan, located on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco, was a marvel of engineering and urban planning. The city was divided into four quadrants, each with its own canals, markets, and temples. The Templo Mayor, the main temple of Tenochtitlan, was a massive pyramid dedicated to the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc. Other important Aztec cities included Teotihuacan, Tula, and Chichen Itza.

In addition to cities and temples, archaeologists have also excavated Aztec burials, which have yielded valuable information about Aztec burial practices and beliefs. Aztec burials were often accompanied by grave goods, such as jewelry, ceramics, and weapons, which provide insights into the social status and wealth of the deceased. Archaeologists have also found evidence of human sacrifice at Aztec sites, which was a common practice in Aztec society.

Ethnohistorical Sources

Ethnohistorical sources, such as codices, chronicles, and oral traditions, provide valuable information about Aztec life, beliefs, and practices. Codices are painted manuscripts that were created by Aztec scribes and artists. They contain information about Aztec history, religion, mythology, and daily life. Chronicles are written accounts of Aztec history that were compiled by Spanish missionaries and indigenous informants after the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Oral traditions, which were passed down from generation to generation, provide insights into Aztec beliefs, legends, and folktales.

One of the most important ethnohistorical sources is the Florentine Codex, which was compiled by the Franciscan friar Bernardino de Sahagún in the 16th century. The Florentine Codex contains information about Aztec history, religion, mythology, and daily life. It is a valuable source of information about Aztec culture and society.

Aztec Culture and Society

The Aztec civilization was a complex and highly stratified society. The Aztec emperor was the supreme ruler, and he was assisted by a council of nobles and priests. The Aztec society was divided into social classes, with the nobles and priests at the top and the commoners and slaves at the bottom. The Aztec economy was based on agriculture, and the Aztec people grew a variety of crops, including maize, beans, and squash. The Aztec also practiced trade and had a complex system of markets and exchange.

The Aztec religion was polytheistic, and the Aztec people worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses. The most important gods were Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain. The Aztec people also practiced human sacrifice, which they believed was necessary to appease the gods and ensure the fertility of the land.

Decline and Fall of the Aztec Empire

The Aztec Empire reached its peak in the early 16th century, but it was soon conquered by the Spanish conquistadors under Hernan Cortes. The Spanish conquest of Mexico was a complex and bloody affair, and it resulted in the death of millions of Aztec people. The Aztec Empire was eventually overthrown in 1521, and Mexico became a Spanish colony.

The Aztec civilization was one of the most advanced and sophisticated civilizations in the pre-Columbian Americas. Aztec archaeology and ethnohistory have provided us with a wealth of information about Aztec culture, society, and history. The study of the Aztec civilization continues to provide insights into the human experience and the development of complex societies.

References

Coe, Michael D. (1994). Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. Thames & Hudson.
Hassig, Ross (1992). Aztec Warfare: Imperial Expansion and Political Control. University of Oklahoma Press.
Smith, Michael E. (2003). The Aztecs. Blackwell Publishing.

Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory (Cambridge World Archaeology)

by Christopher Knight

5 out of 5