The Aztecs, a History

This is one of the better books written on the pre-columbian history of Anahuac (Mexico). The only negative comment i have regards the book's title. The people of Tenochtitlan did not refer to themselves as "Aztec," but as Mexica. Aside from this, Davis is an excellent writer and his text reads more like a novel than a "history book." Highly reccommended as an introduction to Mexica history.

Nigel Davies has given the english speaking world a top notch history of the Mexica people (a.k.a. Aztecs). This history was required reading for one of my undergraduate courses.Davies traces the history of the Mexica from their pseudo-mythical origins to the post-conquest era. His is primarily a political history, although a quality political history cannot exist by itself without reference to the social and religious milieu as well. Davies develops these in a cause and effect manner very well.In regards to the Mexica, their religious beliefs seemed to be the force that prompted them on to conquest. They believed themselves to be a people chosen by the gods to conquer the world as they knew it. It was also their religious beliefs that, to some extent, thwarted an effective defense against the Spanish conquistadors.This book is a summary of the events. However, it would appear that it is one of the few available in the English language. Simply put, a brief review of Davies' endnotes demonstrates that the vast majority of research into this area is in Spanish.That being said, this book is a wonderful starting point for researching Aztec history. Davies gives in-depth analysis on all of the Mexica emperors. I cannot recommend it highly enough primarily because it is well balanced. The Mexica are not demonized nor are they lauded as an exceptionally "moral" people. The same goes for Davies' treatment of the Spanish conquistadors. This book rates high for its impartiality and its content.I was particularly impressed with its treatment of post-conquest Mexico. This was a time when the Church, and most particularly the Franciscans, tried to cope with what was often a greedy Castillian hierarchy bent on extracting all wealth from the heartland of New Spain without regard to the welfare of the native peoples. The scathing reports about the abuses of the Spanish warlords, for lack of a better word, to Emperor Charles V by the religious authorities were particularly interesting.I highly recommend this history.