Book

The Aztecs

Blackwell PublishersMalden, Mass. • Published In 1997 • Pages: xviii, 361

By: Smith, Michael Ernest.

Abstract
This monograph is a study in what the author calls 'social archaeology', an analysis of the everyday lives of peasants and other commoners in archaeological time. The major portion of the book describes Aztec civilization during the 91 years between the formation of the Triple Alliance empire in 1428 and the arrival of the Spaniards in 1519. This period is generally referred to in the archaeological literature as the Late Aztec B period and represents the pinnacle of cultural development in ancient Mesoamerica. Major topics include a general introduction to the Aztecs, culture history, agriculture, artisans and their wares, the role of merchants in the economy, family and social class, city-states and the empire, religion, science and art, and post-contact changes in the society.
Subjects
History
Territorial hierarchy
Tillage
Occupational specialization
Mercantile business
Classes
Form and rules of government
Cities
Prayers and sacrifices
Writing
Ordering of time
Art
tradition
Central Mexico Postclassic
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
Middle America and the Caribbean
Sub Region
Central Mexico
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Types
Archaeologist
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 2008
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
1300-430 BP (650-1520 AD)
Coverage Place
Valley of Mexico
Notes
Michael E. Smith
Includes bibliographical references (p. [325]-347) and index
LCCN
95025889
LCSH
Aztecs--History/Aztecs--Antiquities/Aztecs--Social life and customs/Mexico--Antiquities