Commissioned by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza from "summary" of The Codex Mendoza: A facsimile reproduction of Codex Mendoza by Frances F. Berdan,Patricia Rieff Anawalt
Commissioned by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, the Codex Mendoza is a significant historical document that provides insights into the culture, society, and history of the Aztec people. It was created in the early 16th century, shortly after the Spanish conquest of Mexico. The codex consists of a series of pictorial images accompanied by Spanish texts that describe various aspects of Aztec life, such as their economy, social structure, and religious practices. Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza was a Spanish nobleman who served as the first viceroy of New Spain, a territory that included present-day Mexico and parts of Central America. He played a key role in the colonization of the region and was keenly interested in documenting the customs and traditions of the indigenous peoples. The Codex Mendoza was commissioned by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza as a means of understanding and governing the newly conquered territories. It served as a tool for the Spanish authorities to learn about the Aztec culture and society, as well as to assess the resources and wealth of the region. The codex is divided into three sections, each of which provides valuable information about different aspects of Aztec life. The first section focuses on the history of the Aztec people, detailing their migration from their homeland of Aztlan to the founding of their capital city, Tenochtitlan. The second section describes the tribute system imposed by the Aztec rulers on their subjects, highlighting the economic and political organization of the empire. The third section of the Codex Mendoza provides a detailed account of the reign of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II, including his conquests, alliances, and religious practices. Through its rich imagery and accompanying texts, the codex offers a unique perspective on the Aztec civilization and its interactions with the Spanish colonizers.- The Codex Mendoza stands as a testament to the cultural exchange and interactions between the indigenous peoples of Mexico and the Spanish conquerors. It serves as a valuable resource for historians, anthropologists, and scholars interested in the history and culture of the Aztec civilization.
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