Created in mid-16th-century Mexico, the Codex Mendoza includes records of Aztec tribute, or payments from conquered provinces that sustained imperial power and wealth. The Codex Mendoza is one of the most important sources for understanding the Aztec (Mexica) Empire. This video explores what tribute was, how it functioned in Aztec society, and why documents like the Codex Mendoza remain essential for studying Mesoamerican history.

In the video, we explore how Indigenous artist-scribes recorded tribute items, including cotton cloaks, cacao, feathers, jewelry, shields, and warrior costumes, from provinces such as Tochtepec. We'll even show you how items were counted in the codex.

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 The Codex Mendoza and Sources for Understanding the Aztecs

0:26 What is tribute?

0:40 Tribute codices

1:03 Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza and the Viceroyalty of New Spain

1:24 The Codex Mendoza and Tribute

1:50 Tribute from Tochtepec and Pictographs

2:30 Counting items

2:58 Aztec power

Learn more

1. Grab our Introduction to the Aztecs text! https://www.artsq.org/store/p/aztecs-mesoamerica-informational-text-reading

2. Want an activity about the Codex Mendoza’s tribute pages? You can see one here: https://www.artsq.org/store/p/aztec-tribute-primary-source-activity-codex-mendoza

3. Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history