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"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 bythe 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"--
List of contents
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.
About the author
Frances F. Berdan is Professor Emerita of the Department of Anthropology of California State University, San Bernardino. She won the Outstanding Professor Award for the California State University system in 1982–83. She is author or editor of twelve books, including The Aztecs of Central Mexico (2nd edition, 2005), The Codex Mendoza (co-authored, 1992), Aztec Imperial Strategies (co-authored, 1996) and The Postclassic Mesoamerican World (co-edited, 2003). Her articles have been published in Scientific American, American Antiquity, Latin American Antiquity, Ancient Mesoamerica, and Arqueología Mexicana.
