Discover London and the Aztecs
It used to be Montezuma when I was at school, as in Montezuma's revenge.
But history, propaganda written by the victors, moves on and it's now Moctezuma, Aztec ruler.
The last elected Aztec ruler, before the Spanish Conquistadors, led by Hernando Cortez who arrived in 1519, destroyed his empire.
His people were known as Mexica and their city of Tenochtitlan, built in the middle of a lake with beautiful public buildings and temple, was home to nearly a quarter of million and would have rivalled many European cities in the 16th century.
A sophisticated series of canals and man-made islands show they were consummate engineers.
A model of Tenochtitlan, which later became Mexico City, is on show at the British Museum in London until January 24, revealing the scale of their architectural achievments.
Moctezuma and his people were educated. They were able at writing and illustrating and produced a calendar with interlocking lunar and solar cycles.
Warfare was part of their culture and despite the images of them in gold necklaces, bells and magnificent feathers, their swords were wooden with broken glass along the edges, so the Spanish, with their steel, firearms and European diseases, were able to subdue and wipe them out.
The Aztecs smoked tobacco and drank chocolate and practised human sacrifices. Still beating hearts were cut out of willing victims.
Rumour has it that Moctezuma, being god-like, would not let his feet touch bare earth and had animal skins to step on.
His subjects were not allowed to meet his eye on pain of death.
Must have been a bit tricky that.
No 'Look at me when I'm talking to you,' then.
Unusual, thought-provoking, a visual feast for the eyes, and a little gory, this exhibition, although not big, makes up for that in quality – gold and silver and precious stones, masks and paintings,
The Hilton Hotel chain are offering packages in conjunction with the British Museum – two tickets and a luxury stay at one of 14 London Hiltons from 140. There's also a family package.
We stayed at the Kensington Hilton and its bland exterior belies a stylish black and cream interior, a small but well-equipped gym, friendly staff and proper wooden coat hangers.
Plus two American ladies of indeterminate years, with Sherlock Holmes teddy bears and Union Jack memorabilia. They said: "Aren't your policemen wonderful – have a nice day now."
I resisted the tempation to reply "Missing you already" as they exited the lift.The Hilton London Kensington,
179-199 Holland Park Avenue,
London W11 4UL
www.hilton.co.uk
Tel: 0207 6033355
Fax: 0207 6029397
Email: sales.kensingtonhilton.com
British Museum,
Great Russell Street,
London WC1B 3DG
www.britishmuseum.org
Tel: 0207 7323800
Email: information@ britishmuseum.org
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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