Codex Borgia

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he Codex Borgia certainly constitutes the finest of all surviving ancient American manuscripts that boast precious illumination. A major portion of the text deals with matters of calendarmancy, i.e. the study of time and the seasons by scholars of the temple. Groups of fantasy figures and mysterious gods animate the 78 painted pages of the manuscript. In addition, it illustrates the most stunning rituals of the great Aztec culture, especially interesting because these rituals reveal an essentially private and very personal character.

A truly unique feature in the surviving group of old Mexican manuscripts, however, is the description of the great state temple rituals in the Codex Borgia. The spiritual doings shown here bear testimony to the hitherto unknown and curious world of ancient Mexico before it was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors.

Great anonymous masters

The wealth of topics presented in the pages of this sumptuous manuscript is nearly inexhaustible. It not only shows the wisdom of the ancient priest-scholars in unparalleled perfection but also reflects the astute conception and artistic mastery of the painters who produced these ancient Mexican illuminated manuscripts, thus encouraging us to partake in a great culture that is now lost.

The scholarly commentary in German, English, French and Spanish explains all 78 painted pages of the manuscript and expertly discloses the secrets of Old Mexico to the reader.

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