The enigmatic and powerful Tlacaelel (1398–1487); wrote annalist Chimalpahin; was “the beginning and origin†of the Mexica monarchy in fifteenth-century Mesoamerica. Brother of the first Moteuczoma; Tlacaelel would become “the most powerful; feared; and esteemed man of all that the world had seen up to that time.†But this outsize figure of Aztec history has also long been shrouded in mystery. In Tlacaelel Remembered; the first biography of the Mexica nobleman; Susan Schroeder searches out the truth about his life and legacy. A century after Tlacaelel’s death; in the wake of the conquistadors; Spaniards and natives recorded the customs; histories; and language of the Nahua; or Aztec; people. Three of these chroniclers—fray Diego Durán; don Hernando Alvarado Tezozomoc; and especially don Domingo de San Antón Muñón Chimalpahin Quauhtlehuanitzin—wrote of Tlacaelel. But the inaccessibility of Chimalpahin’s annals has meant that for centuries of Aztec history; Tlacaelel has appeared; if at all; as a myth. Working from Chimalpahin’s newly available writings and exploring connections and variances in other source materials; Schroeder draws the clearest possible portrait of Tlacaelel; revealing him as the architect of the Aztec empire’s political power and its military might—a politician on par with Machiavelli. As the advisor to five Mexica rulers; Tlacaelel shaped the organization of the Mexica state and broadened the reach of its empire—feats typically accomplished with the spread of warfare; human sacrifice; and cannibalism. In the annals; he is considered the “second king†to the rulers who built the empire; and is given the title “Cihuacoatl;†used for the office of president and judge. As Schroeder traces Tlacaelel through the annals; she also examines how his story was transmitted and transformed in later histories. The resulting work is the most complete and comprehensive account ever given of this significant figure in Mesoamerican history.
#2032594 in Books University of Oklahoma Press 2009-05-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .70 x 5.50l; .85 #File Name: 0806140127224 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Pedro SolisExcellent reading of possible ancestors.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. An invaluable reminder of the contributions and sacrifices Mexican-Americans have made for this great nationBy Midwest Book ReviewSecond Street in Silvis; Illinois; was an impoverished neighborhood; during the Great Depression; it became home to Mexican immigrants escaping a revolution in their homeland. During World War II; it suffered the highest per-capita casualty rate; and was renamed "Hero Street" to reflect the ultimate sacrifice made by its citizens. In "Hero Street USA"; journalist Marc Wilson examines the true story of these Mexican-Americans who fought and died in World War II; drawing upon soldiers' letters; interviews with relatives; firsthand combat accounts; and more. Examining the struggles of nearly eighty men from three dozen Second Street homes who volunteered to fight for their nation in World War II and Korea; Hero Street USA is an invaluable reminder of the contributions and sacrifices Mexican-Americans have made for this great nation. Highly recommended.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A winnerBy J. QuickWriting a book is no easy task. Writing a book of this magnitude with all its emotional undertones and inherent sadness is even more difficult. I know the author labored long and hard to tell a story that needed to be told and to recognize the sacrifice of these families. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone. A beautiful story; well told.
