The Death of Aztec Tenochtitlan, the Life of Mexico City

by Barbara E. Mundy

Winner, Book Prize in Latin American Studies, Colonial Section of Latin American Studies Association (LASA), 2016
ALAA Book Award, Association for Latin American Art/Arvey Foundation, 2016

The capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan, was, in its era, one of the largest cities in the world. Built on an island in the middle of a shallow lake, its population numbered perhaps 150,000, with another 350,000 people in the urban network clustered around the lake shores. In 1521, at the height of Tenochtitlan's power, which extended over much of Central Mexico, Hernando Cortes and his followers conquered the city. Cortes boasted to King Charles V of Spain that Tenochtitlan was "destroyed and razed to the ground." But was it?

Drawing on period representations of the city in sculptures, texts, and maps, The Death of Aztec Tenochtitlan, the Life of Mexico City builds a convincing case that this global capital remained, through the sixteenth century, very much an Amerindian city. Barbara E. Mundy foregrounds the role the city's indigenous peoples, the Nahua, played in shaping Mexico City through the construction of permanent architecture and engagement in ceremonial actions. She demonstrates that the Aztec ruling elites, who retained power even after the conquest, were instrumental in building and then rebuilding the city. Mundy shows how the Nahua entered into mutually advantageous alliances with the Franciscans to maintain the city's sacred nodes. She also focuses on the practical and symbolic role of the city's extraordinary waterworks--the product of a massive ecological manipulation begun in the fifteenth century--to reveal how the Nahua struggled to maintain control of water resources in early Mexico City.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Architecture, Anthropology, Cities, Archaeology, Urbanism

256 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2015

Reviews

[Charles Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara E. Mundy confronts the powerful metaphor of indigenous erasure established as early as Cortes' letters to Carlos V after the fall of Tenochtitlan. This new narrative, based upon five hundred years of sources, revises the urban history of Mexico City, relying heavily upon pre-Hispanic sources for the founding of Tenochtitlan, and, later, indigenous texts from the colonial era, establishing a continuity, not a rupture, as the indigenous contributed to the city's development and culture. The volume contains hundreds of color plates (the book is coffee-table worthy) to which Mundy applies the interpretive skill of art historian, anthropologist, and epigrapher. The theoretical approach sees cities as intersecting spheres of representation, lived space, and practice, the latter referring to "walking," or how cities are embedded with the past actions of its inhabitants. Mundy approaches the hydrological history of Tenochtitlan and Mexico with a scientist's acumen; the processions, markets, and festivities with the stroke and detail of an artist; and the contributions of the indigenous are treated with love and respect. Great, great book.

[Tom Butt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Introduction, 1st half and Conclusion. Shamefully can't say the 2nd half kept me motivated to continue reading as the argument was lost and a continuous eruption of new stories, facts and sources means this book isn't for the casual reader. Overall though, the message that not all Indigenous culture was lost because the Spanish invaded is a powerful one that needs sharing.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting look at Teonochtitlan, arguing that the city did not, in fact, "die," but rather transformed over time. I also really liked the emphasis of the Mexica's close bonds with water and landscape as manifest in their belief systems, built environment, and lived practices. Beautiful images, thorough analysis, good sources. Would recommend to anyone interested in Latin American history.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very academic and often repetitive but I loved reading the perspective and detailed analysis of an art historian on the history of a city and all its artifacts and traditions. (Also this book has lots of pretty pictures.)

[Frank van Kalmthout · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a casual browse for me. I have been fascinated by the history of Mexico City since having twice visited in the last 10-15 years. It is a deep read, and one I wasn’t inclined to do, as all I wanted was a survey of some more facts and thoughts about its conquest and re-founding.

[Samuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

sooooo interesting, I wish I had had more time to spend with this book

[Venus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Death of Aztec Tenochtitlan, the Life of Mexico City is a captivating exploration of the complex relationship between the ancient Aztec capital and the modern metropolis that replaced it. The book delves into the historical, cultural, and urban transformations that have shaped Mexico City over centuries.

Mundy provides a detailed account of the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan, examining the military strategies, cultural clashes, and political maneuvering that led to the fall of the Aztec empire. She highlights the devastating impact of the conquest on the indigenous population and the city's infrastructure.The book traces the transformation of Tenochtitlan into Mexico City, exploring the early colonial period, the growth of the city, and the challenges faced by its inhabitants. Mundy examines the blending of indigenous and Spanish cultures, as well as the city's role as a center of economic and political power.

Mundy explores the enduring legacy of Tenochtitlan in Mexico City. She examines the preservation of Aztec artifacts and archaeological sites, the influence of Aztec traditions on modern Mexican culture, and the city's ongoing struggle to balance its historical heritage with the demands of contemporary urban life. The book addresses the challenges faced by Mexico City as a modern metropolis, including pollution, overcrowding, and social inequality. Mundy explores the city's efforts to address these issues and preserve its unique identity.

Mundy's extensive research and engaging writing style make The Death of Aztec Tenochtitlan a compelling read. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the city's history and its ongoing transformation. Some readers may find the book's focus on the historical aspects of Mexico City to be overly detailed, limiting its appeal to those interested in contemporary urban issues. Additionally, the book may not fully explore the experiences of marginalized communities within the city.

The Death of Aztec Tenochtitlan, the Life of Mexico City is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of Mexico City. Mundy's insightful analysis and engaging writing style make the book a must-read for scholars, students, and general readers alike. It offers a unique and illuminating perspective on one of the world's most fascinating and complex cities.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book for those who want historical images and maps of Mexico City before Spanish colonisation. This book is more of a textbook than a reader for casual book lovers. If you like historical books this is for you.

[Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully, put together book- describing some aspects of Tenochtitlan, with a lot of mentions of the Spanish newcomers.