The Aztec Empire: An Enthralling Overview of the History of the Aztecs, Starting with the Settlement in the Valley of Mexico

by Enthralling History

If you are curious about how the extraordinary Aztecs lived and ran their empire, then keep reading!

The remarkable Aztecs formed a vast, organized empire renown for military prowess, expansive trade, intriguing culture, and ingenious agriculture – all from an island in a swamp . But where was their mysterious homeland of Aztlan? How did they ascend to dominance in the Valley of Mexico?

Explore the mesmerizing origins of the Aztecs, discover how a wandering desert tribe came to rule much of present-day Mexico, and investigate the spectacular – albeit somewhat depraved – culture that set their civilization apart.

This easy-to-read, comprehensive, and engaging history of the Aztec Empire will unlock the little-known and awe-inspiring stories and culture of a legendary people. This well-researched and authoritative presentation, accompanied by striking illustrations, brings the Aztec civilization to life.

Here are some of the fascinating questions you will Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about the incredible Aztecs!

Genres: History, Nonfiction

252 pages, Paperback

Published July 9, 2021

Reviews

[Paul]

There are no heroes here, only the house that terror built.

The book discusses the rise and fall of various leaders, detailing their trials and tribulations, cunning, statecraft, Machiavellian leadership, and the deceit, honor, and intelligence they needed to maintain their power.

The book portrays a complex society rich with technology, landscaping, architecture, jewelry, and metallurgy. Although, what constantly perplexes me is how a society with such massive achievements in mathematics, philosophy, and technology could also persist with such clumsy and downright foolish interactions with the Spanish.

The book conveys a fascinating history of significant changes in ethnicity, tribal dynamics, and political power.

I particularly enjoyed analyzing the construction of class, wealth, power, and hierarchy within these societies, especially as they differ from our Western Capitalist perspectives.

The Mexica-Aztec approach to education seemed socialist in that it provided access to everyone, yet it paradoxically aimed to reinforce the hierarchy of social classes. Here, there was education for nobles and separate education for the working class. Even women received education, albeit in forms different from the trade-centered education available to working-class men, and all groups were taught religion. This was an interesting fact, as universal access to education did not exist in the West, and would not for centuries.

Religious fervor played a significant role in this society. The book enlightens us on the theocratic state in which they lived, which seemed to contribute to their downfall. That is to say, if a leader, one who concentrated both spiritual and political power, were killed, the entire system would begin to collapse. We see this with the killing of Moctezuma II and other leaders.

While the book offers an overview of religious rituals, deities, and their mythology, it does not delve deeply into the philosophy or morality arising from their belief system. It describes some practices, such as human sacrifice, bloodletting, and heart extraction, and discusses what these were supposed to yield for the community. However, the Western lens through which these acts are portrayed often portrays them as barbaric. While I acknowledge they are, I am curious about the Mexica-Aztec perspective that viewed them as valuable, positive, and pious. I would be interested to know if these practices were interpreted as acts of necessary religious sadism, similar to self-flagellation in Christianity.

This book does not adequately address or discuss disease as a factor for downfall. If it does, the mention is minimal and forgettable, especially in comparison to "1491" by Charles C. Mann. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... I found this to be a significant shortfall of the book.

In the end, the book concludes with the theory that the downfall of the empire was facilitated by the Spaniards' technological superiority and the cooperation of disgruntled tribes that had suffered under Mexica-Aztec rule. It suggests that the Mexica-Aztecs failed to learn from their own history, despite the fact that they formed a triple alliance to overthrow the despotic regime that preceded them. What we see is that once they gained power, they became tyrannical themselves. This antagonistic governance generated resentment, hostility, and animosity among the conquered tribes, fueling a desire for revenge and a willingness to betray their former rulers, even if it meant collaborating with the foreign Spaniards.

The book suggests that the relentless subjugation by the Mexica-Aztecs of neighboring tribes led to the downfall of each tribe in the face of the Spanish threat. Each group was willing to betray the others because they had been subjugated by the other at some point. This ultimately backfired, as many tribes allied with the Spanish to overthrow the Mexica-Aztecs, only to find themselves subjugated by the Spaniards instead.

If one were to completely disregard the possibility that Mexica-Aztec technologies could have defeated the Spaniards and assume that disease played no role, the main takeaway would be that tribalism soaks all in blood, defeats all tribes.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, basic introduction to the history of the Aztec tribes. This can be enjoyed by someone with very little knowledge of Aztec history, and the writing is simple enough that you could give it to a young reader, too. There is enough information here to keep you wanting more, yet not so much that you're drowning in words you don't understand. I loved learning about not just the Aztecs of Tenochtitlan, but also the other tribes and the city states they occupied. I particularly enjoyed learning about Nezahualcoyotl and his library at Texcoco. After reading this one, I'll be keeping an eye out for more books about Aztec history, and that's really what I want to feel after I read a book.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, engaging, and easy to understand!

Often times, history is deemed boring. Much of the time, this comes from how it is presented - and this book does a fabulous job of bringing the history in a fun - non-dry way!

The Aztecs thrived, built, and grew their empire - through warfare and expansion. Their religious practices have raised questions, turned stomachs, and enthralled historians for years.
Through the reading of this book, I found great history, enough so that my kids enjoyed it as well.

Well done, and fabulously crafted - this history of the Aztecs is perfect for youth to adult readers who want to learn more about the Aztec Civilization.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a free history book this is amazing! It is highly informative and shares several cultural tales and important, little-known facts about the Aztec Empire. The writing is choppy and repetitive, and often feels like a high-schooler's late-night history essay, but beggars cant be choosers. The availability of this historical text is important in sharing the cultural knowledge and memory of the Aztec people. If you enjoy histories or want to learn more about ancient human civilizations and mythologies, then this is a must-read!

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was as Interesting as a history book could get. It wasn't too bad. I liked the pictures they added. The art work was neat.

[Diego Palomino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to the history of the early part of Mexican history. It’s made me want to know about other such cultures and I am reading Enthralling’s Mayan history. I travel for a living, usually short flights and I’ve found a perfect companion in the Enthralling history series to keep me from boredom while learning in the process.Thanks.

[Dave Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Mesoamerican trilogy
This is the longest and most convoluted book in this series. This one is almost twice as long and jumps forward and back in time like a Quentin Tarantino move. Maybe tell me how they lived Before you tell me how they died.
Still a pretty good history book despite it's flaws. I learned many things I did not know, and even better I had corrected several things I thought I knew but was wrong about.
TL;DR Hernán Cortés is a real son of a bitch.

[Vitesh Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a good introduction to history of Aztecs (and to a larger extent history of Mexico itself).
The book reads/flows like a history textbook in school. It is interesting, simple to read and gives a great overview without diving too deep into the history. This is especially great for readers who do not have much background in Aztec history. Great description and images.

[Thomas Tyack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Work, the book stays interesting and gave me an appreciation of the Aztec empire that before was a mystery. I wish more people would read this book .

[Sirena Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of interesting and detailed facts regarding the Aztec Empire. There is an in depth look into the history of the Aztecs. I learned a lot and will pass this book on to others to enjoy. The one thing that keeps me from giving it five stars is the fact that the picture quality is poor. When a book contains pictures, I always enjoy looking at them while reading. The pictures contained in this book were a poor copy of possibly brilliant photos.
Thank you Enthralling History for the free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Mark Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.

I found a few errors. Who do I contact to inform about such?

It was an amazing read learning of the complex and advanced Aztec people. They had a very high level of complexity and civilization. We often hone in too much about human sacrifice as the huge negative. However, when you look at the butchery and the slave trading of the Spanish conquistadors, there is no one side that is without fault or error.

The history of the Aztecs is truly amazing.

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It provided a well rounded history of the Aztecs. Five stars because it was exactly what I wanted: a brief overview of the Aztec Empire. It didn’t feel like it had an opinion or narrative it was trying to push. It simply just wanted to share some interesting facts about a group of people I knew little about. Another reviewer said it best. It had enough facts to peak my interest, but left me wanting to learn more.

[Gail Amendt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm planning a trip to Mexico City this winter, and wanted to read a history of the Aztecs so I can better understand what I am seeing. This is a good basic history, and I definitely learned much from it, but I listened to the audiobook version which is rather monotone in its delivery. Given that the narrator mispronounced quite a few common words, I am not confident that the Aztec words are pronounced correctly.

[Jan Aiyulian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work that combines thoroughly researched history with an engaging narrative. It introduces not only the seven Aztec tribes but also the Olmecs, Chichimecas, and even the Spanish friars. I love how personal stories were woven in -- like the shipwrecked Spaniard who went native with tattoos and piercings or Cortes murdering his wife -- it lifts history off the page.

[Irial O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough introduction to the Aztec empire

As an introduction to the Aztecs, it was easy to read and gave a good explanation of the rise and fall of the empire. I liked that it contextualised the empire in what came before.

I had no idea as to the advanced nature of their civilisation

[Jessica Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Really liked learning about their art and mythology. Always found the ancient Aztec people to be pretty interesting. Great read.

[Justin Metcalf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but frustratingly juvenile at times.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author makes history accessible.

[Ethan Savoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book

[Faith Moreno-Peace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I learned a lot and it was an interesting read. A good portion of the word I couldn't figure out how to pronounce but still a good read.

[Jennifer Hilliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

History that I never learned about is school

This is a really informative book on what life was like in the area that is now Mexico. As an adult I'm finding that I am much more interested in history than I ever was growing up. This book goes onto details of the Aztecs about their beliefs, conquering nearby people, the sacrifices they made to their gods and what made them successful. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in the Aztec Empire.

[Laurence · Rating 1 out of 5]

This simple introduction reads like a enlarged encyclopaedia article, the history may technically be here, but the way it is explained is very dry. I also didn't find it well structured to be very palatable.

I may have been spoiled by The Last Days of the Incas which I read a few months ago. That book used storytelling techniques to make the history come alive. There are other Aztec histories out there that I suspect would have been a better choice.