Mesoamerican Civilization Collection

Crystal skull and Maya pyramid, artwork
Crystal skull and Maya pyramid, computer artwork

Mayan priest smoking tobacco (litho)
8663550 Mayan priest smoking tobacco (litho) by German School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mayan priest smoking tobacco as part of areligious ceremony)

Portrait of Moctezuma II (Montezuma or Motecuzoma Xocoyotzin, v; 1480-1520) on his throne. Colour engraving
NWI4924186 Portrait of Moctezuma II (Montezuma or Motecuzoma Xocoyotzin, v; 1480-1520) on his throne. Colour engraving.; (add.info.: Portrait of Moctezuma II (Montezuma or Motecuzoma Xocoyotzin)

Portrait of Montezuma II (Moctezumaii, 1466-1520), Aztec Emperor of Mexico, in gold crown and gorgette
FLO4605373 Portrait of Montezuma II (Moctezumaii, 1466-1520), Aztec Emperor of Mexico, in gold crown and gorgette, and of David Cusick (c.1780-c.1831), a Tuscarora Baptist preacher and author

Precolumbian Period
3499673 Precolumbian Period; (add.info.: Precolumbian Period. Aztec. Huehuetl. Representacion made in stone of an Aztec drum. From Mexico DF. Anthropology Museum of Mexico.); PHAS/UIG

Pottery vessel representing the Storm God of the Aztecs
3330167 Pottery vessel representing the Storm God of the Aztecs; (add.info.: Pottery vessel representing the Storm God of the Aztecs, known as Tlaloc)

The Dresden Codex, also known as the Codex Dresdensis
2910724 The Dresden Codex, also known as the Codex Dresdensis; (add.info.: Mayan manuscript (known as the Dresden Codex). gods and demons are shown

The Immigration of the Maya (litho)
8661417 The Immigration of the Maya (litho) by Valda, John Harris (1874-1942); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Immigration of the Maya)

CORTES, Hernan (1485-1547). Spanish conqueror of Mexico.; MONTEZUMA II (1467-1520). Aztec king (1502-1520)
AIS5393440 CORTES, Hernan (1485-1547). Spanish conqueror of Mexico.; MONTEZUMA II (1467-1520). Aztec king (1502-1520). Conquest of Mexico (1519-1521). Moctezuma visit to Hernan Cortes in its housing

The Madrid Codex or "Tro-Cortesianus Codex", treatises of horoscopes and astrological tables
AIS5378108 The Madrid Codex or "Tro-Cortesianus Codex", treatises of horoscopes and astrological tables, brought to Spain by Hernan Cortes (1485-1547)

The meeting between Hernan (or Hernando) Cortes or Fernand Cortez (1485-1547) and Montezuma (or Moctezuma)
XEE5027231 The meeting between Hernan (or Hernando) Cortes or Fernand Cortez (1485-1547) and Montezuma (or Moctezuma: 1466 - 1520)

Yaqui Indians, descendants of the Aztecs (b/w photo)
8652979 Yaqui Indians, descendants of the Aztecs (b/w photo) by American Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Yaqui Indians, descendants of the Aztecs)

BRAUN, George (1541-1622). ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). HOGENBERG, Franz (1535-1590)
CUL4853288 BRAUN, George (1541-1622). ORTELIUS, Abraham (1527-1598). HOGENBERG, Franz (1535-1590). Civitatis Orbis Terrarum (Theatrum orbis terrarum). 1572-1617. Mexico City (1576)

A collection of Aztec tribute goods
3329860 A collection of Aztec tribute goods; (add.info.: Illustration depicting a collection of Aztec tribute goods. Dated 14th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Mexicans celebrating the beginning of a new age, 1778
3478857 Mexicans celebrating the beginning of a new age, 1778; (add.info.: Mexicans celebrating the beginning of a new age. From John Hamilton Moore)

Maya priest and worshipper, from a sculpture in the British Museum (litho)
8673386 Maya priest and worshipper, from a sculpture in the British Museum (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Maya priest and worshipper)

Yaxchilan lintel of Ritual scene with a plaque of a jaguar governor carrying the feathers of Quetzal
AIS5378762 Yaxchilan lintel of Ritual scene with a plaque of a jaguar governor carrying the feathers of Quetzal, Late Classic or III period, 200-900 AD (limestone bas-relief); Museo Arqueologico

Portrait of Emperor Aztec Moctezuma II (Montezuma or Motecuzoma Xocoyotzin, v.1480-1520). 19th century colour engraving
NWI4924092 Portrait of Emperor Aztec Moctezuma II (Montezuma or Motecuzoma Xocoyotzin, v.1480-1520). 19th century colour engraving.; (add.info)

Borbonic Codex or Borgia Codex
3499697 Borbonic Codex or Borgia Codex; (add.info.: Borbonic Codex or Borgia Codex. Precolumbian Period. Aztecs. Deity Quetzalcoatl. Feathered serpent)

Huitzilopochtli, Aztec god of the war
3478878 Huitzilopochtli, Aztec god of the war; (add.info.: Huitzilopochtli, Aztec god of the war, lord of the sun and fire)

Pre-Columbian Mexico: Mixtec 1200-16th century. 15th century (zoomorphic form from Codex Borgianus)
532972 Pre-Columbian Mexico: Mixtec 1200-16th century. 15th century (zoomorphic form from Codex Borgianus); (add.info.: From the collection at the Vatican Museum.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Aztec -Mixtec Serpent 15th-16th Century (mosaic)
529882 Aztec -Mixtec Serpent 15th-16th Century (mosaic); Universal History Archive/UIG

Combat et retraite sur la digue (engraving)
8653314 Combat et retraite sur la digue (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Combat et retraite sur la digue)

PONCE DE LEON, Juan (1460-1521). Spanish conqueror of Puerto Rico (1508) and discoverer of Florida (1502)
CUL4870005 PONCE DE LEON, Juan (1460-1521). Spanish conqueror of Puerto Rico (1508) and discoverer of Florida (1502). Juan Ponce battles the natives of Florida

The Founding of Tenochtitlan, from the Codex Mendoza, made for the viceroy of New Spain, 16th century ()
BAL111692 The Founding of Tenochtitlan, from the Codex Mendoza, made for the viceroy of New Spain, 16th century (; Private Collection; (add.info.: for colour replica see 97368))

Aztec god of the dead, Mitlantecuhtli. 15th century (gold pendant)
532975 Aztec god of the dead, Mitlantecuhtli. 15th century (gold pendant); (add.info.: One of the few gold ornaments which escaped being turned into bullion by the Spanish conquistadors)

Montezuma II (1466-1620) last Aztec emperor in his palace, top, judges (center), litigants (bottom)
534529 Montezuma II (1466-1620) last Aztec emperor in his palace, top, judges (center), litigants (bottom). Early 16th century (drawing); Universal History Archive/UIG

Farewell between Hernan (or Hernando) Cortes or Fernand Cortez (1485-1547) and Montezuma (or Moctezuma)
XEE5027230 Farewell between Hernan (or Hernando) Cortes or Fernand Cortez (1485-1547) and Montezuma (or Moctezuma: 1466 - 1520) before the departure of Cortes (1500)

Emperor Moctezuma attacked by rebels
3846963 Emperor Moctezuma attacked by rebels; (add.info.: Emperor Moctezuma attacked by rebels - the fall of the Aztec Empire)

Spaniards attack and island defended by Aztecs while a priest baptizes a baby
PNP344515 Spaniards attack and island defended by Aztecs while a priest baptizes a baby, copied from the Codex Telleriano-Remensis

Spanish conquistadors with their native Tlazcalan allies attack an Aztec temple
532996 Spanish conquistadors with their native Tlazcalan allies attack an Aztec temple. 19th century (copy of section of drawings of Lienzo de Tlazcala lost during Mexican revolution)

Death of MONTEZUMA II (1480-1520) june 24, 1520, engraving
1744545 Death of MONTEZUMA II (1480-1520) june 24, 1520, engraving; (add.info.: Death of MONTEZUMA II (1480-1520) june 24, 1520, engraving); Photo: Tallandier

Meeting between Hernan Cortes and Montezuma II Aztec King (engraving)
AIS5395114 Meeting between Hernan Cortes and Montezuma II Aztec King (engraving); Private Collection; (add.info.: Conquest of Mexico (1519-1521): CORTES

Mosaic of a double-headed serpent for use as a ceremonial pectoral. Aztec, Mixtec, Mexico
528902 Mosaic of a double-headed serpent for use as a ceremonial pectoral. Aztec, Mixtec, Mexico. 15th-16th century AD (mosaic); Universal History Archive/UIG

Hernandez Cortes or Cortez (1485-1547) Spanish conquistador who conquered Mexico, in Xaltelolco
528206 Hernandez Cortes or Cortez (1485-1547) Spanish conquistador who conquered Mexico, in Xaltelolco, and beside him is La Malinche his native mistress who acted as interpreter

Royal belt ornament, c.500-700 (jadeite)
1068472 Royal belt ornament, c.500-700 (jadeite) by Mayan; 13.02x16.8275x4.13 cm; Dallas Museum of Art, Texas, USA; (add.info.: Classic period Maya culture); The Nora and John Wise Collection

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: calendar in the shape of a wheel, 16th century (miniature)
BEN5463402 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: calendar in the shape of a wheel, 16th century (miniature) by Spanish School, (16th century); Biblioteca Medicea-Laurenziana, Florence

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: merchants disguised in Tzinacantlan. Miniature of the Florentine manuscript Storia
BEN5463388 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: merchants disguised in Tzinacantlan. Miniature of the Florentine manuscript Storia degli Aztechi (History of the Aztecs) by Bernardino de Sahagun

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: The bodies of Itzquauhtzin and Montezuma, or Moctezuma II Aztec emperor (1466-1520)
BEN5463375 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: The bodies of Itzquauhtzin and Montezuma, or Moctezuma II Aztec emperor (1466-1520), are thrown out of the palace by the Spaniards

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: the emissaries of Montezuma, or Moctezuma II Aztec emperor meeting the Spanish
BEN5463347 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: the emissaries of Montezuma, or Moctezuma II Aztec emperor meeting the Spanish, 16th century (miniature) by Spanish School

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: the arrival of the Spanish, 16th century (miniature)
BEN5463366 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: the arrival of the Spanish, 16th century (miniature) by Spanish School, (16th century); Biblioteca Medicea-Laurenziana, Florence

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: outbreak of war, The Aztec emperor Montezuma put in irons, 16th century (miniature)
BEN5463359 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: outbreak of war, The Aztec emperor Montezuma put in irons, 16th century (miniature) by Spanish School, (16th century); Biblioteca Medicea-Laurenziana

Codex of the conquest of Mexico - miniature from the Florentine Manuscript "Storia degli Aztechi"
BEN5463357 Codex of the conquest of Mexico - miniature from the Florentine Manuscript "Storia degli Aztechi" (History of the Aztecs) by Bernardino de Sahagun

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: The Spanish attack the city of Xolloco. Miniature of the Florentine manuscript Storia
BEN5463344 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: The Spanish attack the city of Xolloco. Miniature of the Florentine manuscript Storia degli Aztechi (History of the Aztecs) by Bernardino de Sahagun

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: Stone work, 16th century (miniature)
BEN5463418 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: Stone work, 16th century (miniature) by Spanish School, (16th century); (add.info)

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: the rabbit in the moon, 16th century (miniature)
BEN5463407 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: the rabbit in the moon, 16th century (miniature) by Spanish School, (16th century); (add.info)

Codex of the conquest of Mexico: the Spaniards ready to attack the city of Tenochtitian
BEN5463354 Codex of the conquest of Mexico: the Spaniards ready to attack the city of Tenochtitian. Miniature of the Florentine manuscript Storia degli Aztechi (History of the Aztecs)

Montezuma II made prisoner by hernan Cortes in 1519, 19th century (lithograph)
ELD4918779 Montezuma II made prisoner by hernan Cortes in 1519, 19th century (lithograph) by Reid, Stephen (1873-1948); (add.info)

For sale as Licensed Images

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Discover the captivating world through mesmerizing artifacts and intricate artwork. The enigmatic crystal skull, resting against the backdrop of a majestic Maya pyramid, transports us to an era shrouded in mystery and wonder. Delve into the depths of history with the Codex of the conquest of Mexico, a treasure trove that unveils tales from centuries past. Behold its pages adorned with illustrations depicting events that shaped this ancient land. A calendar in the shape of a wheel reminds us of their advanced understanding of time and celestial movements. In one miniature, merchants disguised in Tzinacantlan transport us to bustling marketplaces where trade thrived amidst vibrant colors and exotic goods. Witness Montezuma II's emissaries meeting Spanish explorers, capturing a pivotal moment when two worlds collided. The codex also reveals scenes filled with turmoil as war erupts and Montezuma II finds himself imprisoned by foreign conquerors. These vivid depictions bring to life both triumphs and tragedies that unfolded during this tumultuous period. Marvel at stone work masterpieces meticulously crafted by skilled hands, showcasing their architectural prowess even in miniature form. And let your imagination soar as you gaze upon a whimsical scene portraying a rabbit nestled within the moon's embrace. Mesoamerican civilization beckons us to explore its rich tapestry woven with artistry, innovation, and resilience. It invites us on an extraordinary journey through time – an opportunity to unravel secrets hidden within these precious relics while honoring those who came before us.