Aztecs: Sacrifice And Science

2013, Mystery  -   11 Comments
7.93
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Ratings: 7.93/10 from 71 users.

Many of the truths behind the existence of the Aztecs have been obscured by centuries of myth making and bald-faced fantasy. However, an accurate portrait of their culture may be drawn through careful examination of the Aztec codices, an ancient series of books which have undergone considerable study and interpretation as detailed in the new documentary Aztecs: Sacrifice and Science.

The invasion of Mexico by Hernan Cortes in the early 16th century set the stage for the extinction of the Aztec people and their culture. The work of Bernardino de Sahagun, a figure acclaimed as one of history's pioneering anthropologists, has proven essential in preserving the Aztec's footprint on world history. One of the final witnesses to their way of life, de Sahagun spent many decades documenting the Aztec culture and belief system, and made substantial strides in describing their unique language for future generations of scholars.

One such scholar was Eduard Seler. Three hundred years after the drafting of de Sahagun's texts, Seler traveled with his wife Cecilia from Berlin to Mexico in search of more clues and answers. There, they called upon their keen archaeological prowess to uncover a series of Aztec sites and artifacts hidden underneath the Mexican infrastructures of the day. Most crucially, Seler successfully interpreted the Aztec calendar, which revealed deeper layers of understanding towards a long-forgotten people. Seler's work in this field continues to inform the research being performed today, as it offers a valuable testimony to the Aztec's way of life, customs of temple building, and even their penchant for the rituals of human sacrifice. But there is still much to learn. Amazingly, as the film points out, a significant portion of Seler's research materials currently remain un-examined in a Berlin museum.

Through informed narration, a wealth of illuminating images and appealing re-enactments, Aztecs: Sacrifice and Science traces the milestones that have marked the preservation of the Aztec legacy. Thanks to the groundbreaking efforts of historical figures like Bernardino de Sahagu and Eduard Seler, these discoveries and revelations continue to this day. In the process, the film reminds us that history is a living thing - elusive and captivating - and never fails to refine and redefine itself with each passing century.

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11 Comments / User Reviews

  1. Paul

    To be honest this documentary pissed me off. The description is misleading and i truly think Eduard Seler would feel disrespected that this is what people take away from his life, and not the monumental discoveries he made

  2. Kothai

    Inspiring to see Eduard Selers passion about Aztec's and Cecilia's support and continuation in the different perspective. If Eduard could have elaborated his notes after coming from Mexico, it might have revealed more things about Aztec.

  3. Nebuchadnezzar

    I don't agree their studies shaped how we view the aztecs. I remember in Elememntary school in the 90's Teachers were still telling me mostly about the human sacrifices.

  4. Thor Abbott

    I really dug this! Fascinating story of an amazing couple and how their studies and travels revolutionized how we think about Aztec culture. 10 out of 10.

  5. ruert lopez

    this knowledge has inspired me to achieve grater things it is a bit disappointing it did not bring to the for front the hidden debts of the Aztec life and legion

  6. Don

    Nice documentary/Bio on Eduard & Cecilia Selers; not at all what I expected from the title, but I enjoyed it quite a bit none the less.

    I can see how some would dislike being misled, but it's quite good as a bio

  7. Tez

    Dumbed-down beyond belief.

  8. Joel

    This is only about Eduard Selers and nothing about Aztec history, sacrifices or science.

  9. Alex

    interesting perspective,
    nice visuals,
    good inspiration

  10. Licinia

    This video stinks of political correctness and historical revisionism.

  11. John Croft

    I am no scholar of science or the past but it is a joy to see both explained for the layman.
    This video carried the info I had derived from other videos into a form that was visual.
    Rate 7.5 for interest.