Pre-Columbian History

Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs by Camilla Townsend unfolds a rich tapestry of the Aztec civilization through the eyes of the indigenous people themselves. Unlike typical accounts of the Aztecs which are often based on sources after the Spanish conquest, Townsend’s book draws extensively on Nahuatl-language sources written by the Aztecs. The narrative challenges many conventional ideas about the Aztecs, providing a fresh perspective on their society, culture, history, and the tragic encounter with European colonizers.

An indigenous perspective on Aztec civilization, challenging conventional historical narratives.