The Aztecs (Sutton Pocket Histories) - Softcover

Lewis, Brenda Ralph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0750922222 ISBN 13: 9780750922227

Publisher: Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1999

Synopsis

The Aztec empire centred on Tenochtitlan (modern Mexico City) embraced nearly all the peoples of central America during the 15th and early 16th centuries. Renowned for their architecture, agriculture, jewellry and textiles, the Aztecs also developed a form of pictographic writing and a complex calendar system. However, they are chiefly, if unfortunately, remembered for their human sacrifices; tearing the heart from the living body to offer to their Sun god. This introduction to one of the world's most fascinating lost civilizations examines its history and culture, and concludes with an account of its violent destruction by the Spaniards in 1521.

About this title

From the Author

Author's comments on 'The Aztecs'
The cover of this book, with its rather frightening Aztec image, says a great deal about it. I have long been fascinated by the pre-Hispinic civilizations in America, and this one is the big one. My book tells the story of the Aztecs, from their humble, exploited beginnings to their rise to absolute power in Mexico and on to their defeat by the Spanish conquistadors. Despite their reputation for blood sacrifices, the Aztecs were an extraordinarily advanced people, building a huge city in the middle of Lake Texcoco which was larger than contemporary London. Their ingenuity, engineering skillsm artistic and scientific talents are all included, and the last chapter reads, as I meant it to, like the violent and bloody death of a great, if flawed, civilisation. I hope you enjoy it. I certainly loved writing it.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sutton Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0750922222
• ISBN 13: 9780750922227
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128