Hidden World of the Aztec

VOYA - Jennifer Rummel

Lourie gives readers a glimpse of Aztec life by means of archaeological finds. The ancient world of the Aztecs lies underneath the sinking Mexico City. With new construction sites, archeologists attempt to catch a glimpse of the lost city. Archeologists such as Leonardo Lopez Lujan help displace myths from fact with evidence found in the excavation sites. Lourie explains both the myths of the Aztecs and what the archaeological evidence means for historians. Readers receive a crash course on the process of excavating the pits so that they can better understand the outcome of the information gained by this lengthy ordeal. Beginning with Aztec quotes, chapters cover historical information on the Aztecs to the author's present-day tour of the archaeological sites and the gathering of new knowledge. Not only does this book honor ancient times, but it also relates to how the world still tries to understand the past and learn everything possible about the forgotten ways of former cultures. This book will be great for classroom use both on the subject of archeology and on the world of the Aztecs.

Children's Literature - Kathryn Erskine

Part of the "Ancient Civilizations of the Americas" series, this edition is the author's first person account of his trip to Mexico City to visit archeologist Leonardo Lopez Lujan, and witness the excavations of Aztec remains. Especially interesting for the budding archeologist, this account brings that career, and the process of excavating, close to the reader. In fact, while the author is visiting, a monolith is discovered under a busy street and the unearthing begins. The photographs are sharp and clear and labeled with the names of the various archeologists and students depicted as they dig, clean, or label their finds. Beautiful photos of Aztec drawings, sculptures, and ruins are juxtaposed with complementary photos of modern Mexico. Sidebars explain aspects of Aztec culture in even more detail than the text. Quotes from Aztec poets and a ruler open every chapter and reveal the rich, advanced culture that was destroyed so quickly by the Spanish invaders. A glossary and guides to pronunciation help familiarize readers with this fascinating civilization.

School Library Journal

G 3-6-This attractive book takes an objective look at the Aztecs from the perspective of archaeological digs at the Great Temple in modern-day Mexico City and at the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan. Nine highly pictorial chapters cover Aztec and Toltec history and the excavations that expand understanding of these civilizations. Lourie also outlines the process of archaeology and the methods used to uncover and preserve artifacts. A photo of a statue of the God of Death, buried in concrete, does much to illustrate the care taken to free such works of art from the medium in which they are imprisoned. The writing style is clear, informative, and interesting. The text features numerous observations made by archaeologist Leonardo L-pez Luj n, which are illuminating, especially concerning the blood sacrifice aspect of Aztec religion-exaggerated, he feels, by the Spaniards to justify their conquest. Verses of Aztec poetry begin each chapter, presenting a more rounded look at a complex and sophisticated society. This sound volume can be used with more conventional titles, such as Elaine Landau's Exploring the World of the Aztecs with Elaine Landau (Enslow, 2005), and is especially good for viewing a culture as it is re-created through excavation.-Ann Welton, Helen B. Stafford Elementary, Tacoma, WA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

The latest stop in his photographic tour of ancient American civilizations brings Lourie to excavations beneath the streets of both Mexico City and the pre-Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan. Prefacing each short chapter with a passage of usually rather valedictory Aztec poetry, he offers brief visitor's impressions while following archeologists into digs at the Great Temple and later, the Pyramid of the Moon. He fills in historical background with notes on Aztec society (not quite as blood-soaked, he suggests, as often portrayed) and an account of Cortes's catastrophic arrival. A generous array of big color photos range from pictures of modern cityscapes to huge preserved ancient structures, from vivid manuscript illustrations and stone carvings to engaging scenes of scientists engrossed in their careful work. Writing with contagious enthusiasm, the author will kindle in readers the same wonder he feels at the way clues to our shared past are being found in these places nearly every day. (bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-12)