Description

  • The astronomer Antonio León y Gama is sometimes considered the first Mexican archaeologist. His description of the discovery of the "two stones" -- the Coatlicue and Sun Stone (a massive sacrificial stone and calendar) -- emphasized the sophistication and high scientific and artistic achievements of the Aztecs in a way that both responded to and further quickened the stirring of Mexican nationalism in the late 18th century. This work by León y Gama, published in Mexico City some two years after the discovery of the stones, includes three folded manuscript watercolor drawings of the antiquities.

Author

Date Created

Publication Information

  • Don F. de Zúñiga y Ontiveros, Mexico

Language

Title in Original Language

  • Descripción histórica y cronológica de las dos piedras que con ocasión del nuevo empedrado que se está formando en la plaza principal de México, se hallaron en ella el año de 1790

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Physical Description

  • 116, [2] pages; folded plates, 19 centimeters

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Institution

External Resource