Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler - Hardcover

Colin McEwan; Leonardo López Luján

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0714125865 ISBN 13: 9780714125862

Publisher: British Museum Press, 2009

Synopsis

Produced to accompany a major exhibition at the British Museum, on view 24 September 2009 24 January 2010, this catalogue will explore the dramatic events surrounding the Spanish assault on the Aztec Empire, focusing on the Emperor Moctezuma II who ruled from AD 1502 from his capital Tenochtitlan (the site of modern-day Mexico City). Key works of art will be shown together for the first time, including iconic objects such as the British Museums turquoise snake and masks, and intriguing but less well-known material such as sculptures, codices, intricate featherwork, gold and treasures from Mexico and other major international museums. The book will open with an examination of the origin of Mexico and the role of the king as a military, political and religious leader. At the heart of the story unfolding around the arrival of the Spanish stands the enigmatic and semi-mythical figure of Moctezuma himself. Attention will be drawn to the fascinating but often very different accounts of key events given by Mexican and Spanish sources. Moctezuma's own contribution to his eventual downfall and death at the hands of his own people will be examined afresh, drawing upon the latest international research and the ongoing archaeological discoveries in Mexico City. The book will finally reassess the legacy of these momentous events, including the role they played in shaping modern Mexican identity. With chapters by international authorities and stunning photography, this book will be an outstanding contribution to the understanding of Mexico and its last Aztec ruler.

About this title

Review

"The authoritative text is accompanied by a rich array of imagery...making this a superb study of Aztec culture." -- Good Book Guide, October 2009

"excellent catalogue... a fascinatingly awful story." -- The Independent, September 21 2009

"the catalogue is well worth buying" -- Times, September 17 2009

"meticulously researched (and stunningly illustrated) reassessment builds a far more rounded and convincing portrait than we've had before" -- The Scotsman, October 3 2009

"The important book provides tantalizing insights into the military tsunami that swept across the empire of the Mexica people" -- The New York Times, October 9, 2009

"the catalogue is well worth buying" -- The Times, September 17, 2009

"excellent catalogue... a fascinatingly awful story" -- The Independent, September 17, 2009

Edition details

• Publisher: British Museum Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0714125865
• ISBN 13: 9780714125862
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320