For Immediate Release Contact: Nancy O'Shea (312) 665-7100 (For Media Use Only) THE AZTEC WORLD A Unique View of a Mighty Empire Exclusive Exhibition at Chicago’s Field Museum October 26, 2008 through April 19, 2009 Today we are at last beginning to understand the intricacies of this amazing culture, which was the equal of any in Europe in moral refinement, artistic sensibility, social complexity, and political organization – J. Jorge Klor de Alva (Forward to The Broken Spears by Miguel Leon Portilla, 1992) The Field Museum’s newest exhibition, The Aztec World, gives visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the otherworldly grandeur and sophistication of one of history’s great civilizations. The Field has gathered nearly 300 artifacts including monumental works in stone, colorful ceramics, and intricate jewelry made of precious metals. Many of these treasures will be displayed for the first time outside Mexico. The artifacts come from Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor Museum, The Field Museum, and other distinguished museums in the United States and Mexico. The Aztec World will be shown exclusively at The Field Museum—it will not travel to other venues. Witness the compelling story of how, in just 200 years (between 1325 and 1521) the Aztecs grew from a nomadic group to one of the most powerful and influential societies ever developed, leaving behind a powerful legacy. Discover how an empire that began in the middle of a lake became the center of the Mesoamerican world. With spectacular artifacts and works of art assembled together for the first time, the exhibition provides a look into the remarkable rise and fall of the Aztecs. The journey begins on the bountiful shores of Lake Texcoco and moves to the heart of Tenochtitlan, the complex, radiant capital of the Aztec world. Examine the deities, temples, and sacrificial altars of Aztec religion. Explore the training, weapons and celebrations of Aztec warriors. Discover the privileges, treasures, and responsibilities of Aztec rulers. Marvel at beautiful objects crafted from precious metals, ceramic, obsidian, greenstone and other materials to gain a new perspective on Aztec art, science, trade, cosmology, and religious rituals. Explore life as a farmer, trader, weaver, warrior, priest, and emperor. Continue >>