Codex Tudela facts for kids
The Codex Tudela is a special book from the 1500s. It's an Aztec codex, which means it's a book of pictures made by the Aztec people. This codex is like a twin to other important Aztec books, such as the Codex Magliabechiano and the Codex Ixtlilxochitl. They all share a similar original design.
What is the Codex Tudela?
The Codex Tudela is a very old and important book. It was made in Mexico around the mid-1500s, during the early years after the Spanish arrived. The book is written on European paper.
It has three main sections:
- Libro Indígena: This part is like a traditional Aztec book. It uses pictures and symbols to tell stories and share information.
- Libro Pintado Europeo: This section also uses pictures, but they are drawn in a European style. It shows how Aztec and European art mixed.
- Libro Escrito Europeo: This part contains written text in a European language, likely Spanish. It helps explain the pictures and ideas in the codex.
History of the Codex
Not much is known about the early history of the Codex Tudela. It was rediscovered in 1940. After its discovery, the Spanish government bought the manuscript. Today, you can find it at the Museo de América in Madrid, Spain.
The codex was named after Sr José Tudela de la Orden. He worked at the Museo de América and helped scholars learn about this amazing book. Sometimes, in Spanish, it is called the Códice del Museo de América.
What Does the Codex Tudela Show?
The Codex Tudela is mainly a religious document. It teaches us a lot about the Aztec religion and their way of life.
It includes details about:
- Deities: The different gods and goddesses the Aztecs worshipped.
- Religious Rites: The special ceremonies and practices they performed.
- Cosmological Beliefs: How the Aztecs understood the universe and their place in it.
- Calendars: Their complex systems for tracking time and important dates.
- Rituals: Specific ceremonies related to things like health and passing away.
This codex helps us understand the rich culture and beliefs of the Aztec people from long ago.
See also
In Spanish: Códice Tudela para niños
