Astronomical Considerations in the Aztec Expression of History

Eclipse Data

Bibliographic Data

ID6034239
AuthorsAnthony F Aveni (0000-0002-6015-009X, Colgate University, corresponding author), Edward E Calnek (University of Rochester)
Year1999
Volume10
Issue1
Pages87-98
Publication date1999-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAncient Mesoamerica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0956-5361 • E-ISSN: 1469-1787
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0956536199101111
OpenAlexW2012666004
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited3

In this paper, we present a complete list of eclipses documented in the Mexica manuscripts. We use this list together with information in the chronicles to outline a possible method used by Mexica chronologists for linking historical with retrodictable cosmic events that were deliberately chosen to fit historical circumstances. Solar events, particularly eclipses, figure prominently in a scheme that stresses the recurrence of like-in-kind events positioned at multiples of the Xiuhmolpilli (52-year) cycle. Thus, both the foundation of the empire and calendrical adjustments related to the fictional chronology of World Ages are connected to eclipses that were visible at Tenochtitlan and that fell either at the solstices or the equinoxes

Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Astrophysics · Cartography · Chronology · Fell · Geodesy · Geography · Latitude · Literature · Physics · Solstice · Computer Science · History · Latin American history and culture

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