A Concise History of the Aztecs

Susan Kellogg's history of the Aztecs provides a concise yet comprehensive assessment of Aztec history and civilization, emphasizing the relationship between material life, the economy, politics, religion, and intellectual and artistic developments. It highlights the ethnicities that constituted the Aztec peoples and sheds light on religion, political and economic organization, gender, sexuality, and family life, intellectual achievements, and survival. Kellogg seeks to correct common misperceptions and problematizes the use of terms such as human sacrifice, myth, and conquest.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Susan Kellogg's history of the Aztecs provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of Aztec history and civilization, highlighting the intricate relationship between material life, the economy, politics, religion, and intellectual and artistic developments. Recognizing the vast array of sources available but also acknowledging their limitations, Kellogg focuses on three key concepts throughout: value, transformation, and balance. The Aztecs created value by transforming bodies, things, and ideas, aiming to maintain a harmonious balance in the Aztec world, which encompassed the cosmos, the earth, and its inhabitants. This balance was frequently challenged by spiritual and other forms of chaos. The book delves into the diverse ethnic backgrounds that comprised the Aztec peoples, shedding light on various aspects of their religion, political and economic organization, gender, sexuality, and family life. It also highlights their intellectual achievements and survival strategies. Kellogg's primary objective is to challenge common misconceptions about the Aztecs, emphasizing their humanity and questioning the appropriateness of terms such as human sacrifice, myth, and conquest in describing their society.

Introduction:
Susan Kellogg's history of the Aztecs offers a valuable insight into the complex civilization that thrived in central Mexico during the late pre-Columbian period. By examining the various aspects of Aztec life, including their political, social, economic, and cultural practices, Kellogg provides a comprehensive understanding of the Aztecs and their place in the broader context of Mesoamerican history.

Value Creation and Transformation:
One of the central themes of Kellogg's work is the concept of value creation and transformation. The Aztecs believed that everything in the world had a value, whether it was a physical object, an idea, or a person. Value was created through the process of transformation, which involved altering the physical properties of objects, the arrangement of ideas, and the behavior of individuals. Kellogg highlights the importance of value creation and transformation in maintaining the balance of the Aztec world. The Aztecs believed that the cosmos, the earth, and its inhabitants were interconnected, and that any imbalance in these relationships could lead to chaos and destruction. To maintain balance, the Aztecs engaged in a variety of practices, including religious rituals, agricultural practices, and political organization.

Religion and Political Organization:
Kellogg also explores the role of religion and political organization in Aztec society. The Aztecs were polytheistic, worshiping a multitude of gods and goddesses, each associated with specific aspects of the natural world and human life. Religion played a central role in Aztec politics, as the gods were believed to have a direct influence on the affairs of the state. The Aztec emperor was considered to be the intermediary between the gods and the people, and his power was derived from his ability to maintain the balance between the various religious and political factions.

Gender, Sexuality, and Family Life:
Another important aspect of Aztec society that Kellogg examines is gender, sexuality, and family life. The Aztecs had a complex system of gender roles and relationships, with men holding positions of power and women playing important roles in agriculture, religion, and domestic life. Gender roles were not fixed, and individuals could change their gender identity or role throughout their lives. Sexuality was also complex, with a range of sexual practices and relationships between men, women, and transgender individuals. Family life was important in Aztec society, with extended families and clan-based organizations playing a central role in social and economic life.

Intellectual Achievements:
The Aztecs were known for their intellectual achievements, particularly in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and art. Kellogg discusses the Aztecs' use of calendars, their understanding of the solar system, and their intricate astronomical calculations. The Aztecs also developed a sophisticated system of mathematics, including the use of zero and a base-20 numerical system. In addition to their intellectual achievements, the Aztecs were also known for their artistic prowess. Kellogg highlights the Aztecs' use of symbolism, their intricate sculptures and paintings, and their architectural achievements, such as the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan.

Survival Strategies:
Finally, Kellogg explores the survival strategies of the Aztecs in the face of external threats and challenges. The Aztecs were surrounded by other indigenous peoples and empires, including the Spanish, who arrived in Mexico in the 16th century. Kellogg discusses the strategies the Aztecs employed to resist conquest, including military alliances, diplomacy, and religious rituals. The Aztecs also developed a complex system of social and economic organization, which allowed them to maintain their independence and prosperity in the face of adversity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Susan Kellogg's history of the Aztecs provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of Aztec history and civilization. By examining the various aspects of Aztec life, including their value creation and transformation, religion and political organization, gender, sexuality, and family life, intellectual achievements, and survival strategies, Kellogg sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Aztec society. The book challenges common misconceptions about the Aztecs and emphasizes their humanity and complexity. Kellogg's work is a valuable contribution to the field of Mesoamerican studies and should be read by anyone interested in understanding the rich and fascinating history of the Aztecs.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 137 x 217 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108712941