Aztec writing and the Maya
What were Aztec books like?
Aztec writers wrote their literature in books, which folded like a fan. We call these books codices (one codex, two or more codices). Aztec writers wrote their books by hand on paper made out of agave plant fiber.
What’s the Madrid Codex?
One of these books is the Madrid Codex. It’s about how to predict the future. It discusses sacred rituals, what to do if evil spirits attack the crops, the right offerings to bring the rain. It tells you about the calendar and the right offerings for each time of year, and how to clean yourself religiously after someone you know dies.
And the Dresden Codex?
Another Aztec book is the Dresden Codex (they are named after the places where they are now). The Dresden Codex is about astronomy, and it tells you which days are good for planting or for telling the future. It also discusses sickness and medicine.
What’s the Paris Codex?
The third Aztec book that we still have today is the Paris Codex. The Paris Codex is about the calendar and the zodiac. It is not in as good shape as the other books, and the writing and drawing are not as good.
What happened to the other books?
There were thousands of other Aztec books, but the Spanish invaders destroyed most of them in the 1500s.