Hidden World of the Aztec
Boyds Mills Press, 2006
ISBN 978-1590780695
 
more books
  Hidden World of the Aztec
written by Peter Lourie

In 1521 the world of the Aztecs came to a sudden end when Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador, destroyed their capital. The ruins of that city lie beneath the streets of modern-day Mexico City. Peter

Lourie traveled to Mexico City to meet the renowned archaeologist Leonardo López Luján. With Dr. Luján as his guide, the author viewed the diggings at the Aztec Great Temple, and even met the God of Death in the basement of the temple's museum.

Behind the Book

In September 2002, I traveled to Mexico to the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan and into the Pyramid of the Moon to witness the first excavation ever done at the top of that great temple. The Mexican archaeologist Leonardo López Luján took me to visit the Japanese archaeologist Saburo Sugiyama, the leader of the excavation.

Teotihuacan was a great city a thousand years before the Aztecs built their city of Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City. The Aztecs revered the ancient culture and modeled their own city and much of their culture on the former empire.

In 2004, I returned to Mexico to the Great Temple, Museo del Templo Mayor, in Mexico City where Leonardo Luján began new excavations.

Awards and Recognition

MOSAIC 2007 featured book, Lincoln, NE

Reviews

“Attractive book takes an objective look at the Aztecs. … Nine highly pictorial chapters cover Aztec and Toltec history and the excavations that expand understanding of these civilizations. Lourie also outlines the process of archaeology and the methods used to uncover and preserve artifacts. … The writing style is clear, informative, and interesting. The text features numerous observations made by archaeologist Leonardo López Luján, which are illuminating, especially concerning the blood sacrifice aspect of the Aztec religion. … Verses of Aztec poetry begin each chapter, presenting a more rounded look at a complex and sophisticated society. This sound volume … is especially good for viewing a culture as it is re-created through excavation.” (School Library Journal)

“Unique photographs, brightly reproduced on crisp white pages. … There are some interesting new bits here. For instance, Lujan insists that human sacrifice was not nearly so common as history as made it out to be. Report writers will need to go elsewhere for a full treatment of Aztec life, but this book brings it into the present.” (Booklist)

“A generous array of big color photos range from pictures of modern cityscapes to huge preserved ancient structures, from vivid manuscript illustrations and stone carvings to engaging scenes of scientists engrossed in their careful work. Writing with contagious enthusiasm, the author will kindle in readers the same wonder he feels at the way clues to our shared past are being found in these places nearly every day.” (Kirkus Reviews)

 
Copyright © 2010- Peter Lourie. All rights reserved. Privacy policy. Site designed and maintained by Winding Oak
All materials on this site may be copied for classroom or library use but may not be reprinted or resold for commercial purposes.