For hundreds of years, the history of the conquest of Mexico and the defeat of the Aztecs has been told in the words of the Spanish victors. Miguel León-Portilla has long been at the forefront of expanding that history to include the voices of indigenous peoples. In this new and updated edition of his classic The Broken Spears, León-Portilla has included accounts from native Aztec descendants across the centuries. These texts bear witness to the extraordinary vitality of an oral tradition that preserves the viewpoints of the vanquished instead of the victors. León-Portilla's new Postscript reflects upon the critical importance of these unexpected historical accounts.
Miguel León Portilla Book order
This author delves into the profound historical and cultural contexts that shape our understanding of the world. Rooted in extensive academic research, their work offers insightful explorations into complex societal structures and human civilization. Through meticulous analysis and a deep grasp of the subject matter, the author uncovers timeless truths about the human experience. Their writing stands as a testament to the enduring power of intellectual inquiry and its impact on our collective consciousness.







- 2007
- 1966
Translated by Lysander Kemp. Illustrations adapted from original codices painting.