Europeans Invade the Aztec Empire
Indigenous painted books were a critical source for Spanish colonizers trying to understand the unfamiliar culture. Produced for Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, the Codex Mendoza is a pictorial compilation that includes the imperial history of Tenochtitlan, tribute records, and a description of indigenous life from childhood to old age.
The top two lines of the page shown depict the training of a priest (which involved public works such as the repair of temples and bridges). The remaining images feature warriors, and illustrate the importance of war captives in the acquisition of social rank.
Newberry Library: Ayer folio F1219.56.C625 C64 1992