Tovar Codex, Itzcoatl, 4th Tlatoani, Aztec Ruler

IItzcCuatl, holding a spear or scepter, standing on a reed mat and next to a basket-work throne. He hides his right hand under his tilma (cloak). Above him is an obsidian serpent. Itzcoatl (reign 1427-1440 was the fourth king of Tenochtitlan. Allying with Nezahualcoyotl of Texcoco, Itzcoatl went on to defeat Maxtla and end the Tepanec domination of central Mexico. After this victory, Itzcoatl, Nezahualcoyotl, and Totoquilhuaztli, king of Tlacopan, forged what would become known as the Aztec Triple Alliance, forming the basis of the eventual Aztec Empire. According to the Florentine Codex, he is credited with destroying the old Nahuatl records, consolidating legal authority in a totalitarian leader, and establishing the practice of flowery wars, which were waged to attain human sacrifices. The Tovar Codex (16th century) contains detailed information about the rites and ceremonies of the Aztecs. The codex is illustrated with 51 full-page paintings in watercolor. Illustration taken from a 19th century transcript of Juan de Tovar's Historia de la benida de los yndios apoblar a Mexico (the Codex Tovar)

Picture No

12696095

Media ID

47671491

Size

4350px x 3189px (2.6MB)

Credit

LOC/Jay I. Kislak Collection/Science Source/Mary Evans