There has actually never been a civilization that called themselves “Aztecs.” The Aztecs were actually a Triple Alliance of three large Mesoamerican city-states: Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan. “The Aztecs” as we think of them today were the Mexica ethnicity of the Nahuatl-speaking tribes. The word Aztec comes from the Nahuatl word for “People of Aztlan” – the mythical origin place of the Nahua peoples.
The Mayan peoples never consolidated into a single nation, so “Maya” generally refers to the various societies and ethnic groups living in or around the Yucatan peninsula that speak one of the Maya languages. The various Maya peoples still speak their own languages and hold political power in Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras.
The Inka formed one of the greatest imperial states in human history without the use of the wheel, draft animals, iron or steel, or a system of writing. Despite that, they created monumental architecture involving extensive stonework, a road network that connected the whole of the empire, and various agricultural innovations that made agriculture possible in the Andean Mountains. These innovations directly led to the cultivation of potatoes, peppers, peanuts, and chocolate.
Just as in the United States and Canada, the number of indigenous peoples, tribes, ethnicities, and nations are many and varied. In Mexico, the Zapotec, Mixtec, Totonac, Huastec, and many others fought bitterly against the Mexicas of the Aztec empire. In South America, the Mapuche, Guaraní, Quechua, and dozens of smaller tribes and ethnic groups variously assimilate into and take part in the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, etc. or maintain their own ways as they have done to the best of their ability in the modern world. Far from being relics of history, the Indigenous peoples of Latin America are a vibrant and important part of our communities.
This image features an open book showing pages of illustrated Indigenous codices. These ancient manuscripts depict colorful, detailed drawings of warriors, ceremonial items, and various offerings, reflecting cultural and historical practices. Descriptive text accompanies the illustrations, providing insight into the tribute systems of Mesoamerican civilizations.
Below the open book, two stacked volumes—"The Incas and Their Ancestors" and "The Great Inka Road: Engineering an Empire"—further emphasize the theme of Indigenous history and achievements. The table is covered with a bright orange polka-dot cloth,
This image highlights two books on Indigenous history. On the left is "A Concise History of the Aztecs" by Susan Kellogg, featuring a stone carving of the Aztec Sun Stone on the cover. The book provides a thorough overview of Aztec civilization. On the right is "Maya Lords and Lordship" by Sergio Quezada, which explores the formation of colonial society in Yucatán. The cover displays a stone statue of a Maya figure. The books are displayed on an orange polka-dot table cover.
This image showcases the book "Aztecs", which prominently features a photograph of a jade Aztec statue on the cover, representing the intricate artistry and religious significance of the Aztec civilization. The book title is displayed vertically in bold red text, emphasizing the subject of Aztec culture and history. The book is set against an orange polka-dot table cover, which adds a bright and visually appealing contrast to the dark cover of the book. A "TAKE ME HOME!" sign encourages visitors to check out the book.
This image displays two books focused on Indigenous cultures in Mexico. On the left is "The Huasteca: Culture, History, and Interregional Exchange", edited by Katherine A. Faust and Kim N. Richter. The cover features an intricately carved Huastec artifact. On the right is "Singing for the Dead: The Politics of Indigenous Revival in Mexico" by Paja Faudree. The cover depicts a Day of the Dead celebration in a colorful cemetery. Both books are placed on an orange polka-dot table cover.
