Mexico finds a rare set of books about the history of the Aztecs

Some pages in an ancient book about the history of the Aztecs. (Source: INAH)

Aztec is the name of several ethnic groups living in Central Mexico. This people once dominated much of Central America from the 14th to 16th centuries, forming one of the great civilizations of mankind.

Three ancient books dating from the 16th and 17th centuries describe the history of the Aztecs and the area that is today Mexico City.

According to Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), these ancient manuscripts record a lot of knowledge about the Aztecs, including the founding of the capital and the conquests of the Westerners. Spain, and how the capital of the Aztecs fell to the Spanish.

The Aztecs ruled a large area of ​​Mexico in the 15th and 16th centuries. The capital was Tenochtitlán, now Mexico City. From 1519 to 1521, a Spanish army conquered the Aztecs and established rule in the area.

The books recount the founding of Tenochtitlán around 1300 and the lords who ruled it before the Spanish arrived in the Americas; the Aztec conquest of the neighboring city of Tetepilco around 1440 and how its owners were sworn in as vassals to the Aztecs; the arrival of the Spaniards in 1519…

It is known that these ancient books are owned by a family who requested to remain anonymous, currently living in Mexico City. When examining the books, scientists discovered that the books were written on paper made from tree bark, and the book ink was made from plants, charcoal and indigo, creating the colors red, ocher, black and blue.

After confirming the value of the books, the Mexican government negotiated with the family and bought back the 3 books for about 570.000 USD.

According to INAH, the three books are currently stored at the Mexican National Library of Anthropology and History (BNAH), and scientists plan to study them more closely to learn more about Mexican history.

(according to Live Science)