Aztec Archaeology and Ethnohistory

This book provides an up-to-date synthesis of Aztec culture, applying interdisciplinary approaches (archaeology, ethnohistory and ethnography) to reconstructing the complex and enigmatic civilization.

Frances F. Berdan (Author)

9780521707565, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 April 2014

364 pages, 60 b/w illus. 15 maps 6 tables
25.4 x 17.7 x 1.6 cm, 0.76 kg

'This is an outstanding volume that is a major contribution to not only Aztec research but also to Mesoamerican studies as a whole. Written by a preeminent Aztec specialist, it is remarkable for both its breadth and depth of research; it covers virtually all aspects of Aztec society and culture in great and lucid detail. Aside from perhaps the great Florentine Codex compiled in the sixteenth century, I can think of no other work that so thoroughly discusses Aztec civilization.' Karl Taube, University of California, Riverside

This book provides an up-to-date synthesis of Aztec culture, applying interdisciplinary approaches (archaeology, ethnohistory and ethnography) to reconstructing the complex and enigmatic civilization. Frances F. Berdan offers a balanced assessment of complementary and sometimes contradictory sources in unravelling the ancient way of life. The book provides a cohesive view of the Aztecs and their empire, emphasizing the diversity and complexity of social, economic, political and religious roles played by the many kinds of people we call 'Aztecs'. Concluding with three integrative case studies, the book examines the stresses, dynamics and anchors of Aztec culture and society.

Part I. Setting the Stage: 1. Discovering, uncovering, and interpreting the Aztec world
2. The Aztecs as Mesoamericans
Part II. Aztec Society and Culture: 3. Living on the land
4. Craft specialization, commerce, and trade
5. City-states and imperial rule
6. Living as an Aztec: social status and daily life
7. Religion, science, and the arts
8. The Aztec world: an integrated view.

Subject Areas: Physical anthropology [JHMP], Prehistoric archaeology [HDDA], Archaeology [HD], History of the Americas [HBJK]