Polygamy and the Rise and Demise of the Aztec Empire

Nonfiction, History, Americas, Latin America, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Polygamy and the Rise and Demise of the Aztec Empire by Ross Hassig, University of New Mexico Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ross Hassig ISBN: 9780826357137
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press Publication: August 15, 2016
Imprint: University of New Mexico Press Language: English
Author: Ross Hassig
ISBN: 9780826357137
Publisher: University of New Mexico Press
Publication: August 15, 2016
Imprint: University of New Mexico Press
Language: English

This provocative examination of Aztec marriage practices offers a powerful analysis of the dynamics of society and politics in Mexico before and after the Spanish conquest. The author surveys what it means to be polygynous by comparing the practice in other cultures, past and present, and he uses its demographic consequences to flesh out this understudied topic in Aztec history. Polygyny provided Aztec women with opportunities for upward social mobility. It also led to increased migration to Tenochtitlan and influenced royal succession as well as united the empire. Surprisingly, the shift to monogamy that the Aztecs experienced in a single generation took over a millennium to occur in Europe. Hassig’s analysis sheds new light on the conquest, showing that the imposition of monogamy—rather than military might, as earlier scholars have assumed—was largely responsible for the strong and rapid Spanish influence on Aztec society.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This provocative examination of Aztec marriage practices offers a powerful analysis of the dynamics of society and politics in Mexico before and after the Spanish conquest. The author surveys what it means to be polygynous by comparing the practice in other cultures, past and present, and he uses its demographic consequences to flesh out this understudied topic in Aztec history. Polygyny provided Aztec women with opportunities for upward social mobility. It also led to increased migration to Tenochtitlan and influenced royal succession as well as united the empire. Surprisingly, the shift to monogamy that the Aztecs experienced in a single generation took over a millennium to occur in Europe. Hassig’s analysis sheds new light on the conquest, showing that the imposition of monogamy—rather than military might, as earlier scholars have assumed—was largely responsible for the strong and rapid Spanish influence on Aztec society.

More books from University of New Mexico Press

Cover of the book Tejano Legacy by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book La Clínica: A Doctor's Journey Across Borders by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book The Riddle of Cantinflas: Essays on Hispanic Popular Culture, Revised and Expanded Edition by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book With a Book in Their Hands by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book The Mexican Revolution, 1910-1940 by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book Searching for Madre Matiana by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book Writing About Nature by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book Golden States of Grace by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book Everyday Life and Politics in Nineteenth Century Mexico by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book A Garlic Testament by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book The Goldilocks Zone by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book How Cities Won the West by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book What are Global Warming and Climate Change? by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book Cowtown Wichita and the Wild, Wicked West by Ross Hassig
Cover of the book Beyond the Eagle's Shadow by Ross Hassig
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy