Product Description

From the NEW HORIZONS series, a look at the Aztecs who created a refined society at the same time as carrying out mass human sacrifice, examining how these apparently contradictory aspects co-existed, and covering Aztec history from nomadic beginnings to the period of Spanish rule.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #317046 in Books
• Published on: 1992-09-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

A Short History of the Aztecs
Aztecs: Rise and Fall of an Empire is a short introductory title on the history of the Mexica peoples. It follows the Aztecs from the founding of their capital, Tenochtitlan, right through to the centuries following the conquest of their empire in the 16th century. It ends with the story of Mexico in 1821.

I brought this book about 7 or 8 years ago and I still dip into it now and then, especially when reading some of the primary sources from the period, such as the letters of Hernan Cortes or the writings of Bernal Diaz. It compliments these works rather well.

The book itself is a pocket sized work, filled with hundreds of colour and black and white paintings and illustrations. The book is divided into two parts - one is a chronological overview of the history of the Mexicans from c. AD 1000 to 1800, with an emphasis on the conquest of 1519-21. The other section is called 'Documents', which is filled with quotations from primary sources and famous historians about some aspects of Aztec life, such as Human sacrifice and the creation myths.

If you are looking for a very short and readable account of Aztec history, this book would be a good place to start. That said, it is best to go on to other books if you want in-depth information as this book lacks information on Aztec society and culture. For instance, there is no proper explanation given to the importance of human sacrifice or 'Flower' Wars to Aztec society. Other aspects such as religion, daily life, science & technology, women, agriculture etc are sparsely covered.

Despite these shortcomings, this book is recommended if you'd like to learn about the history of the Aztecs in a few sittings, or if you are new to the subject. Those who are into more serious research into the lives of these fascinating people should look elsewhere.