An historical and chronological description of two stones found under ground, in the great square of the City of Mexico, in the years 1790 [translation] 1790-1806

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An historical and chronological description of two stones found under ground, in the great square of the City of Mexico, in the years 1790 [translation], 1790-1806

An historical and chronological description of two stones found under ground, in the great square of the City of Mexico, in the years 1790 [translation] 1790-1806

http://www.amphilsoc.org/mole/view?docId=ead/Mss.913.72.L55-ead.xml

Antonio Leon y Gama, an astronomer sometimes considered the first Mexican archaeologist, provided the first European account of Aztec archaeology. His description of the discovery of the "two stones", (Mexico, 1791) -- the Coatlicue and Sun Stone (a massive sacrificial stone and calendar) emphasized the sophistication and high scientific and artistic achievements of the Aztecs, responding to and quickening the stirring of Mexican nationalism. Leon y Gama died in Mexico City on September 12, 1802 William E. Hulings' translation of Leon y Gama's reflects the intense early American interest in the archaeological marvels of Aztec Mexico. Made in 1818, the manuscript also includes ethnographic notes on the Aztecs, particularly on Aztec religion, and is divided into three sections with separate pagination: "An historical and chronological description of two stones found under ground, in the great square of the City of Mexico, in the years 1790" (84p.), "Notes to Antonio de Leon y Gama's Work" (19p.), and "Translated from the Diary of Mexico, for Augt. 5th 1806" (3p.). Descripcion Histórica y Cronológica de las dos Piedras Descripcion Histórica y Cronológica de las dos Piedras

1.0 Volume(s), 106 p.

American Philosophical Society