Aztec Literature
An Aztec book, or codex (ca 1500 AD)
The Aztec system of writing was very much like the Maya
system, and probably the Aztec people learned how to write from the
Maya. Aztec literature was written down in books, which folded like a fan.
They are called codices (one codex, two or more codices). These books were
hand-written on paper made out of agarve plant fiber. One of these books
is the Madrid Codex, which is about how to predict the future. It discusses
sacred rituals, what to do if evil spirits attack the crops, the right offerings
to bring the rain, and about the calendar and the right offerings for each
time of year, and how to clean yourself religiously after someone you know
dies.
A page from the Madrid Codex
Another Aztec book is the Dresden Codex (they are named
after the places where they are now). The Dresden Codex is about astronomy,
and it tells you which days are good for planting or for telling the future.
It also discusses sickness and medicine.
The third Aztec book that we still have today is the Paris Codex. The Paris Codex is about the calendar and the zodiac. It is not in as good shape as the other books, and the writing and drawing are not as good.
The third Aztec book that we still have today is the Paris Codex. The Paris Codex is about the calendar and the zodiac. It is not in as good shape as the other books, and the writing and drawing are not as good.
To find out more about South American literature before 1500, check out these books from Amazon.com or from your library:
Ancient Rome (Eyewitness Books), by Simon James (2004). For kids.
Handbook of Mediterranean Roman Pottery, by John W. Hayes (1997). Hayes has been the leading expert on Roman pottery for the last several decades.
Roman Pottery, by Kevin Greene (1992). Greene is another pottery expert, particularly interested in what pottery can tell us about the Roman Economy.
Aztec
Inca
South America after 1500 AD
North America before
1500 AD
North America after
1500 AD
Main religion page
Kidipede - History for Kids home page
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