The gruesome Aztec practice of mass human sacrifice horrified Cortés when he entered Tenochticlán in 1519. Yet these bloodthirsty warriors also created a refined society, monumental architecture, powerful sculpture, magnificently illustrated codices, fine goldwork and brilliant feathered costumes. How did these contradictory aspects co-exist in one people?

The richly illustrated text is supplemented by contemporary documents including evidence on Aztec myths, social organization, trade, the arts, human sacrifice, the conquest, the continuation of Aztec religion after Christianity and the fate of the Indian population today.