History of the Mexicans as Told by Their Paintings facts for kids
The History of the Mexicans as Told by Their Paintings (Spanish: Historia de los Mexicanos por sus pinturas) is a very old book, or codex, written in the 1530s. It was created in the Spanish language soon after the Spanish arrived in Mexico. This special book helps us learn about the history of the Mexican people.
Contents
What is This Ancient Book?
This book is a type of codex, which is like an old manuscript or book. Many codices from ancient Mexico used pictures to tell stories. This one was written in the 1530s, not long after the Spanish arrived in Mexico.
How Was It Made?
The book was probably put together by a Franciscan friar named Father Andrés de Olmos. He was a priest who studied the local cultures. It is thought that he used older picture books made by the native people of Mexico. This means the book combines ancient stories with new ways of writing.
Why Is It Also Called "Codex Ramírez"?
In the 1880s, a historian named Henry Phillips Jr. translated parts of this document. He started calling it the Codex Ramírez. This name honors Bishop Ramírez de Fuenleal. The Bishop gave permission for the book to be created in 1532.
Where Is It Kept Now?
Today, this important historical document is kept safe. You can find it in the library of the University of Texas at Austin.
