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It was a privilege to be in his company at that moment. The entire city was cheering his return, and we could hear the drums and conch shells announcing his victory from the temple heights. Behind me, Ahuitzotl sat regally on his litter, the platform dripping with shimmering feathers and aromatic flowers, and carried by four stout men. Ahead of us trudged long lines of wailing and dejected war captives, for we had vanquished our rebellious foes to the northeast: the belligerent Huaxtecs. The celebration will go on for days with feasting, dancing, singing, gift-giving, visits from neighboring kings, and ultimately the sacrifice of these captives. With these extravagant celebrations, all the world will be reminded that Ahuitzotl is the all-powerful king and emperor. This day is his, but once I see to the proper observances at the temple and palace, I will not turn down a good meal and a little leisure time in the temazcalli, the cleansing sweat bath. It will help clear my mind. It is an honor to serve my cousin Ahuitzotl as Tlacateccatl. I carry the same military title as he did under his brother Tizoc, and as Tizoc did under his brother Axayacatl. Perhaps I will continue this tradition and someday become lord of these rich lands. It is in the hands of fate and the gods. So mused Tzontemoc Tlacateccatl as the Mexica army triumphantly entered Tenochtitlan. He was Ahuitzotl's cousin and an extremely important man in the Mexica government, so important that his exalted title, Tlacateccatl, was attached to his name. He was of noble blood, scarred in wars abroad, and skilled in diplomacy. He served Ahuitzotl in the empire's capital city and in his ruler's military campaigns, but harbored his own ambitions. And he knew Mexica politics, and his ruler, very well. Nonetheless, his own ambitions will not be fulfilled.
It was a privilege to be in his company at that moment. The entire city was cheering his return, and we could hear the drums and conch shells announcing his victory from the temple heights. Behind me, Ahuitzotl sat regally on his litter, the platform dripping with shimmering feathers and aromatic flowers, and carried by four stout men. Ahead of us trudged long lines of wailing and dejected war captives, for we had vanquished our rebellious foes to the northeast: the belligerent Huaxtecs. The celebration will go on for days with feasting, dancing, singing, gift-giving, visits from neighboring kings, and ultimately the sacrifice of these captives. With these extravagant celebrations, all the world will be reminded that Ahuitzotl is the all-powerful king and emperor. This day is his, but once I see to the proper observances at the temple and palace, I will not turn down a good meal and a little leisure time in the temazcalli, the cleansing sweat bath. It will help clear my mind. It is an honor to serve my cousin Ahuitzotl as Tlacateccatl. I carry the same military title as he did under his brother Tizoc, and as Tizoc did under his brother Axayacatl. Perhaps I will continue this tradition and someday become lord of these rich lands. It is in the hands of fate and the gods. So mused Tzontemoc Tlacateccatl as the Mexica army triumphantly entered Tenochtitlan. He was Ahuitzotl's cousin and an extremely important man in the Mexica government, so important that his exalted title, Tlacateccatl, was attached to his name. He was of noble blood, scarred in wars abroad, and skilled in diplomacy. He served Ahuitzotl in the empire's capital city and in his ruler's military campaigns, but harbored his own ambitions. And he knew Mexica politics, and his ruler, very well. Nonetheless, his own ambitions will not be fulfilled.
This book provides an up-to-date synthesis of Aztec culture, applying interdisciplinary approaches (archaeology, ethnohistory and ethnography) to reconstructing the complex and enigmatic civilization. Frances F. Berdan offers a balanced assessment of complementary and sometimes contradictory sources in unravelling the ancient way of life. The book provides a cohesive view of the Aztecs and their empire, emphasizing the diversity and complexity of social, economic, political and religious roles played by the many kinds of people we call 'Aztecs'. Concluding with three integrative case studies, the book examines the stresses, dynamics and anchors of Aztec culture and society.
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