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History of Mexico: A Captivating Guide to Mexican History, Starting from the Rise of Tenochtitlan through Maximilian's Empire to the Mexican Revolution ... Uprising
If you want to discover the captivating history of Mexico, then keep reading... Free History BONUS Inside! Before the modern country was born in 1821, the territory that today comprises 32 states and few small islands was inhabited by ancient dynasties and kingdoms of warriors, astronomers, priests, temples for human sacrifice, and, surprisingly, some of the largest cities in the world. It is estimated that the sacred city of Chichen Itza, in the Yucatan Peninsula, was larger than Paris at its height of splendor. This fascinating journey through Mexico’s history, from its amazing pre-Hispanic past to the end of the 20th century, will reveal more surprises than the reader can imagine. In the words of the self-proclaimed Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, “Mexico has magic. I looked for that magic, and I found it there.” In History of A Captivating Guide to Mexican History, Starting from the Rise of Tenochtitlan through Maximilian's Empire to the Mexican Revolution and the Zapatista Indigenous Uprising, you will discover topics such as The Era of EmpiresThe Spanish-Aztec War and New SpainThe Birth of a Nation “From the Halls of Montezuma…”The Big Division“The Most Beautiful Empire in the World”In the Times of Don PorfirioThe Mexican RevolutionThe CristerosThe Second World War and the Mexican MiracleEnd of Century PangsAnd much, much more!So if you want to learn more about the history of Mexico, scroll up and click the "add to cart" button!
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2020
221 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 10, 2022
For someone like me that knew zero, it was useful and inspiring.
July 2, 2023
This book is concise yet informative, which is exactly what I needed before visiting Mexico City. It is easy to follow, and the content stays on track. Although it includes uncommon words, I found it excellent overall, except for having to look up some definitions. This book is concise yet informative, which is exactly what I needed before visiting Mexico City. It is easy to follow, and the content stays on track. Overall, it was great, but there were some uncommon words that I had to look up.
October 7, 2020
A very BROAD and general history; nothing I didn't really already know. I would say it's good for middle school students and those wanting a very succinct synopsis of Mexican history.
February 27, 2023
Fun to see the “Mormons” mentioned in the opening pages regarding the legends of Quetzalcoatl.
June 15, 2024
Quite good. Not as interesting or as well written as I might have thought
December 29, 2024
Pretty good surface-level coverage of Mexican political & cultural history.
January 28, 2023
I learned so much from this book
For someone who's long been interested in Mexico, I didn't know much about the country's history. This book is a fantastic introduction to the outstanding events in its history, and makes you want to find out more. The only thing I felt the book was missing was pictures and maps, which would have brought the events, people and places described much closer to the reader.
For someone who's long been interested in Mexico, I didn't know much about the country's history. This book is a fantastic introduction to the outstanding events in its history, and makes you want to find out more. The only thing I felt the book was missing was pictures and maps, which would have brought the events, people and places described much closer to the reader.
April 21, 2021
I really like this history series, it is a great way to get an overview of the history of major civilizations, in this particular case, that of Mexico. It was as the title suggests, very captivating! Having this overview I can now dive in to particular segments of Mexico's rich history such as that of the Olmecs, the Aztecs, the Mayas etc.
June 11, 2024
A well-written summary on the history of Mexico. I read this for a quick visit to Mexico City and found it adequate as an introduction to its culture and history. If anything, I wish it was longer and had more details in certain sections. At 80 pages, it seems way too short, as there were certain chapters which lacked analysis, fun facts or insights. Nonetheless, I strongly recommend it as a beginner’s guide to Mexican history.
3.5/5. June 2024.
Notes
The Olmecs, who erected several cities, eventually scattered in the jungle around 100 BCE and eventually assimilated into other groups. Famously, this civilization left, among other things, the gigantic Olmec heads that, for centuries, were hidden in the jungle until they were discovered in the mid-19th century.
The city of Teotihuacan, a word that means “the place where the gods dwell,” was the first metropolis in North America, founded in 300 BCE. Its impressive pyramids are preserved today in the vicinity of Mexico City.
Tlaloc (the god of water) and especially Quetzalcoatl, the god of wind and air (similar to how Yahweh was for the ancient Hebrews, a storm god). Quetzalcoatl was represented by a feathered serpent.
The Mayas flourished on the Yucatan Peninsula, and they were perhaps the earliest advanced civilization on the American continent.
Now we know that the Mayan kingdoms lived in a state of permanent warfare with each other. The city of Chichen Itza, the last great Mayan city to emerge in the jungle, left an impressive pyramid of 365 steps, one for each day of the year, the largest ballgame in the Americas, an astronomical observatory, and skull altars.
The word “Aztec,” though, is of modern origin. The inhabitants of ancient Mexico would have preferred to call themselves “Mexica,” and they were a part of a larger group called the Nahua, whose language was Nahuatl, the lingua franca of the time.
It seems that the piece of land where the Aztecs built their very first village was called “Mexico,” meaning “in the center of the moon lake.” The whole city was named Tenochtitlan. Those insignificant islets and their surroundings were spaces with abundant fishing, hunting, and gathering, meaning it was an ideal place to settle. Their position in the middle of a lake also gave them a strategic advantage: avoiding friction with neighboring cities, which were involved in unceasing expansionist wars.
Their city, their culture, their families, and their own nation would suddenly come to an end. That curse came floating by the sea on Good Friday, April 22nd, 1519.
the entire southern half of Mexico. These lands were brimming with peoples subjected to the Aztecs and who were resentful of the intolerable tributes, including humans necessary for the sacrifices to placate the gods. From the steps of the main temple of Tenochtitlan, the blood of those sacrificed to the gods descended like rivers.
Some scholars have estimated that the Aztecs sacrificed more than two hundred thousand people per year, and on the days of the re-consecration of the great pyramid of Tenochtitlan, there was an average of fifteen human sacrifices per minute.
The Aztec Empire was, in many ways, conquered by other Native Americans. Since the search for allies was one of the routine procedures of the Spaniards in conquest wars, Cortés took advantage of the hostility of the many people who were against the Aztecs and formed alliances to conquer Tenochtitlan. Several indigenous kingdoms shared his purpose: to see Montezuma’s fall.
Little has been said about the role of African slaves in the Spanish-Aztec war. As early as 1537, just fifteen years after the fall of Tenochtitlan, there were ten thousand Africans in Mexico, some of whom briefly rebelled and appointed a black king.
In the third and last apparition, the image of the Virgin Mary became adhered to the tilma of the humble Native American as a proof for the bishop, and this same piece of cloth is still venerated today in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, which is the most visited Catholic sanctuary in the world after the Vatican.
Between 1521, when Tenochtitlan capitulated, and 1821, when Mexico signed its act of independence, New Spain increased its power from Lake Texcoco in every geographical direction to form a colossal country of almost five million square kilometers. The Spaniards, hoping to find gold and silver, went north and south, conquering and subjugating peoples until they reached as far as Panama in the south and the center of the United States in the north.
When Cortés met Montezuma, the land that would become New Spain had a population of about twenty million inhabitants; in three centuries, this figure dropped to six million.
In the last years of New Spain, a census ordered by Viceroy Revillagigedo revealed that there were 60 percent indigenous, 22 percent mestizos, 18 percent white, and a minimal number of African Americans. The whites—including the clergy—owned almost all property.
The separation of Central America had occurred without a single shot, and Yucatan was so far from everything that it was probably costlier to bring it into line than losing it.
With the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in February 1848, the territory of Mexico was reduced by half.
The Mexican Revolution, which ran from 1910 to 1920, began as a democratic movement to oust President Díaz but ended up as a socialist revolution.
In the north, one of the most essential figures of the country’s history appeared, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, who is known through many photographs as the archetype of the Mexican man: tall and stocky, wide hat, mustache, horse, gun in his hand, and a bullet-crossed chest.
Emiliano Zapata, a peasant leader, began to take the lands of the haciendas by force and distributed it among the people of Anenecuilco, his hometown. Zapata strengthened his legitimacy by rejecting bribes and the temptation of self-benefit.
3.5/5. June 2024.
Notes
The Olmecs, who erected several cities, eventually scattered in the jungle around 100 BCE and eventually assimilated into other groups. Famously, this civilization left, among other things, the gigantic Olmec heads that, for centuries, were hidden in the jungle until they were discovered in the mid-19th century.
The city of Teotihuacan, a word that means “the place where the gods dwell,” was the first metropolis in North America, founded in 300 BCE. Its impressive pyramids are preserved today in the vicinity of Mexico City.
Tlaloc (the god of water) and especially Quetzalcoatl, the god of wind and air (similar to how Yahweh was for the ancient Hebrews, a storm god). Quetzalcoatl was represented by a feathered serpent.
The Mayas flourished on the Yucatan Peninsula, and they were perhaps the earliest advanced civilization on the American continent.
Now we know that the Mayan kingdoms lived in a state of permanent warfare with each other. The city of Chichen Itza, the last great Mayan city to emerge in the jungle, left an impressive pyramid of 365 steps, one for each day of the year, the largest ballgame in the Americas, an astronomical observatory, and skull altars.
The word “Aztec,” though, is of modern origin. The inhabitants of ancient Mexico would have preferred to call themselves “Mexica,” and they were a part of a larger group called the Nahua, whose language was Nahuatl, the lingua franca of the time.
It seems that the piece of land where the Aztecs built their very first village was called “Mexico,” meaning “in the center of the moon lake.” The whole city was named Tenochtitlan. Those insignificant islets and their surroundings were spaces with abundant fishing, hunting, and gathering, meaning it was an ideal place to settle. Their position in the middle of a lake also gave them a strategic advantage: avoiding friction with neighboring cities, which were involved in unceasing expansionist wars.
Their city, their culture, their families, and their own nation would suddenly come to an end. That curse came floating by the sea on Good Friday, April 22nd, 1519.
the entire southern half of Mexico. These lands were brimming with peoples subjected to the Aztecs and who were resentful of the intolerable tributes, including humans necessary for the sacrifices to placate the gods. From the steps of the main temple of Tenochtitlan, the blood of those sacrificed to the gods descended like rivers.
Some scholars have estimated that the Aztecs sacrificed more than two hundred thousand people per year, and on the days of the re-consecration of the great pyramid of Tenochtitlan, there was an average of fifteen human sacrifices per minute.
The Aztec Empire was, in many ways, conquered by other Native Americans. Since the search for allies was one of the routine procedures of the Spaniards in conquest wars, Cortés took advantage of the hostility of the many people who were against the Aztecs and formed alliances to conquer Tenochtitlan. Several indigenous kingdoms shared his purpose: to see Montezuma’s fall.
Little has been said about the role of African slaves in the Spanish-Aztec war. As early as 1537, just fifteen years after the fall of Tenochtitlan, there were ten thousand Africans in Mexico, some of whom briefly rebelled and appointed a black king.
In the third and last apparition, the image of the Virgin Mary became adhered to the tilma of the humble Native American as a proof for the bishop, and this same piece of cloth is still venerated today in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, which is the most visited Catholic sanctuary in the world after the Vatican.
Between 1521, when Tenochtitlan capitulated, and 1821, when Mexico signed its act of independence, New Spain increased its power from Lake Texcoco in every geographical direction to form a colossal country of almost five million square kilometers. The Spaniards, hoping to find gold and silver, went north and south, conquering and subjugating peoples until they reached as far as Panama in the south and the center of the United States in the north.
When Cortés met Montezuma, the land that would become New Spain had a population of about twenty million inhabitants; in three centuries, this figure dropped to six million.
In the last years of New Spain, a census ordered by Viceroy Revillagigedo revealed that there were 60 percent indigenous, 22 percent mestizos, 18 percent white, and a minimal number of African Americans. The whites—including the clergy—owned almost all property.
The separation of Central America had occurred without a single shot, and Yucatan was so far from everything that it was probably costlier to bring it into line than losing it.
With the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in February 1848, the territory of Mexico was reduced by half.
The Mexican Revolution, which ran from 1910 to 1920, began as a democratic movement to oust President Díaz but ended up as a socialist revolution.
In the north, one of the most essential figures of the country’s history appeared, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, who is known through many photographs as the archetype of the Mexican man: tall and stocky, wide hat, mustache, horse, gun in his hand, and a bullet-crossed chest.
Emiliano Zapata, a peasant leader, began to take the lands of the haciendas by force and distributed it among the people of Anenecuilco, his hometown. Zapata strengthened his legitimacy by rejecting bribes and the temptation of self-benefit.
November 3, 2022
Great History about Mexico
This book covered a lot of Mexicos history along with its people and relationship with the USA. Answered a lot of who, what, when, and why type answers in a clear way that was easy to envision. A must read.
This book covered a lot of Mexicos history along with its people and relationship with the USA. Answered a lot of who, what, when, and why type answers in a clear way that was easy to envision. A must read.
August 21, 2024
After reading more detailed books on the history of Mexico and spending three weeks visiting the country, I found "History of Mexico" to be an excellent resource for consolidating my understanding of key events. Its concise and informative nature made it easy to follow and ensured that the content remained focused, which was exactly what I needed to solidify my knowledge.
However, I’m not sure if this book would be ideal for those new to Mexican history, as it may not provide enough depth for beginners. Additionally, I would have appreciated coverage of the last eight decades to offer a more comprehensive view of contemporary developments in Mexico.
However, I’m not sure if this book would be ideal for those new to Mexican history, as it may not provide enough depth for beginners. Additionally, I would have appreciated coverage of the last eight decades to offer a more comprehensive view of contemporary developments in Mexico.
June 24, 2021
Beautiful light intro to Mexico's history.
I knew bits and pieces of Mexican history. After reading this book. I now have a better understanding of Mexico's history. Some parts did hurt me. Reading about the noche triste was sad for me. Reading about how Mexico's history could have been altered for the better was a bit painful as well. Had Maximilano of Hadsburg ruled long enough, Mexico would have been far more developed. The concluding chapter was sweet. I will take the words of the Costa Rican self-proclaimed Mexican, Mexico is a smell.
I knew bits and pieces of Mexican history. After reading this book. I now have a better understanding of Mexico's history. Some parts did hurt me. Reading about the noche triste was sad for me. Reading about how Mexico's history could have been altered for the better was a bit painful as well. Had Maximilano of Hadsburg ruled long enough, Mexico would have been far more developed. The concluding chapter was sweet. I will take the words of the Costa Rican self-proclaimed Mexican, Mexico is a smell.
May 24, 2024
It was ok
I don't like when you can hear an author's personal opinions on religion and politics in a book about history. Honestly its annoying in fiction too. I prefer just the facts on history. And you could certainly hear this guys opinions though I bet he'd not think so.
And I didn't learn anything new. Though it is intended as just an overview. It seemed to jump from it's beginnings to 300 years later.
Overall as a former homeschool parent I think it would be good enough to get a decent summary about Mexico's interesting history. Good enough.
I don't like when you can hear an author's personal opinions on religion and politics in a book about history. Honestly its annoying in fiction too. I prefer just the facts on history. And you could certainly hear this guys opinions though I bet he'd not think so.
And I didn't learn anything new. Though it is intended as just an overview. It seemed to jump from it's beginnings to 300 years later.
Overall as a former homeschool parent I think it would be good enough to get a decent summary about Mexico's interesting history. Good enough.
August 9, 2020
An easy to read book that provides the broad brushstrokes of Mexican. The bibliography provides books that will give a more in-depth history. As an aspiring history teacher, Captivating History books can provide a broad knowledge I can read before diving into lesson planning, and a resource I can recommend to students interested in additional reading.
June 5, 2021
I’m Mexican and we’re not really taught much about Mexican history in the US. This is a good start. Very very high level. From here you’ll have a general understanding of some of the most important historical periods. This book is one half of the Mexican History audiobook. The second part is on the Mexican Revolution. Save $ and buy the one titled Mexican History - it includes both.
December 24, 2021
The kids and I read this book in preparation for our trip to Mexico this last week. They enjoyed learning a little more about where we were visiting and are already talking about where we should visit next!
April 29, 2020
So much history I never knew about. Every time we go to Mexico I have to go to the Myan Ruins
December 13, 2021
This is a nice summary of the history of Mexico, but because of it's size it does not give much depth. It is a good book for basic information, but it does not pretend to do more.
December 16, 2021
Super fun to read over view of Mexican History.
March 6, 2023
Very historical and informative!
Learned a lot of things that I didn't know before reading this book and about the Mexican culture and beautiful country!
Learned a lot of things that I didn't know before reading this book and about the Mexican culture and beautiful country!
April 18, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The fight for independence and freedom is not easy but the people of Mexico hung in there.
March 27, 2024
Overview of Mexico from the Aztecs to modern times. And a very violent history it was.
May 4, 2024
Easy reading with interesting anecdotes covering many key points.
I'm excited to read more of the Captivating History booklist!
I'm excited to read more of the Captivating History booklist!
December 16, 2024
Honestly a very important book for my fellow Mexican Americans. You’d be surprised how many people aren’t aware of their own history.
February 7, 2025
Useful for a general overview to have some context while visiting Mexico. It is general but clear and easy to read.
October 24, 2025
Much briefer than expected. Covers the major events and personalities. A good overview for people who know nothing about Mexico. Interesting that there's nothing about the narcos.
December 16, 2021
This is by an anonymous writer, so I should have known, but I wasn't able to find a good audiobook on the overall history of Mexico. Given the shortness of this book, it can only touch on important topics. It's enough to leave me wanting more, but didn't provide enough (but does feed an interest in reading more). One interesting aspect is that the writer is either from Mexico or sympathetic to Mexico, making for an interesting read (at least for this gringo) when discussing the Alamo, Texas, and the wars and tribulations with the United States.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews