The Aztecs

A fresh view of Mexico's awe-inspiring Aztec civilisation, stunningly illustrated and drawing on up-to-date interpretation of indigenous writings.

Find out how warriors lived and the importance of family life in this bold new illustrated book about the astonishing Aztec civilisation.

When the migrating Aztec people saw an eagle on a cactus in Lake Texcoco, they knew it was a sign from the god of sun and war, Huitzilopochtli. They founded a great city on the lake, which became the heart of a warrior-like empire in central Mexico.

Combining stunning new illustrations with original Aztec artefacts, The Aztecs examines all aspects of life on the lake, from the pantheon of awe-inspiring, shape-shifting gods and the warrior ranks who served them to the cultivation of maize and beans on "floating islands".

Get to know what childhood was like for Aztec girls and boys—making tortillas, fishing, and weaving from an early age, before training in a special school for priests or learning crafts such as featherwork. Understand the Aztec calendars and learn about the myriad festivals celebrating gods of the earth, water, and sky.

Find out how this rich society was disrupted by Spanish invaders in the 16th century, drawing on the accounts of indigenous Nahua people to tell their own story.