The Aztecs: Lost Civilizations

Description

In this rich and surprising book, Frances F. Berdan shines fresh light on the enigmatic ancient Aztecs. She casts her net wide, covering topics as diverse as ethnicity, empire-building, palace life, etiquette, origin myths, and human sacrifice. While the Aztecs are often described as “stone age,” their achievements were remarkable. They constructed lofty temples and produced fine arts in precious stones, gold, and shimmering feathers. They crafted beautiful poetry and studied the sciences. They had schools and libraries, entrepreneurs and money, and a bewildering array of deities and dramatic ceremonies. Based on the latest research and lavishly illustrated, this book reveals the Aztecs to have created a civilization of sophistication and finesse. Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents Chronology Introduction 1. ‘An Enchanted Vision’ 2. Who Were the Aztecs? 3. Building an Empire 4. Making a Living in Country and City 5. Markets and Merchants 6. Nobles and Commoners 7. To Be a Proper Aztec 8. Science, Medicine and Life’s Practicalities 9. Gods, Sacrifice and The Meaning of Life 10. The End of the Fifth Age: The Setting Sun 11. The Aztec Legacy: Reality and Imagination Table of Monthly Ceremonies References Bibliography Acknowledgements Photo Acknowledgements Index