How Long Is the Madrid Codex?

By Robert Palmer

The Madrid Codex is an ancient manuscript that has been a topic of great interest among historians and archaeologists for several decades. This document is believed to be one of the few surviving texts from the pre-Columbian era of Mesoamerica, and it contains valuable information about the culture, traditions, and beliefs of the Mayan civilization.

What is the Madrid Codex?

The Madrid Codex is a pre-Columbian Maya book that was discovered in Spain in the late 19th century. It is also known as the Tro-Cortesianus Codex because it was divided into two parts, with one part located in Madrid, Spain, and the other part located in Paris, France.

The codex was created during the post-classic period of Mayan civilization, which is estimated to be between 900 and 1521 AD. The book contains a series of illustrations and hieroglyphic texts that provide insight into various aspects of Mayan life such as astronomy, religion, rituals, and political organization.

How Long Is The Madrid Codex?

The Madrid Codex is approximately 92 pages long. Each page measures around 23 by 12 centimeters (9 by 5 inches) and is made from fig bark paper. The text on each page consists of columns with approximately 14-15 lines per column.

The Contents Of The Madrid Codex

The contents of the Madrid Codex are divided into three sections:

Section One: Astrology And Astronomy

The first section focuses on astronomy and astrology. It contains information about calendars used by the Mayans for various purposes such as agricultural events, religious festivals, and astronomical observations. The codex also includes illustrations of celestial bodies such as planets, constellations, eclipses, and comets.

Section Two: Rituals And Ceremonies

The second section of the Madrid Codex focuses on rituals and ceremonies. It contains information about various religious ceremonies such as bloodletting rituals, human sacrifice, and offerings to the gods. The codex provides instructions on how to perform these ceremonies and the materials required for them.

Section Three: Mythology And History

The third section of the Madrid Codex contains information about Mayan mythology and history. It includes stories about gods and their relationships with humans, as well as historical events such as wars and alliances between Mayan city-states.

  • One of the most interesting aspects of the Madrid Codex is that it provides a different perspective on Mayan civilization than what was previously understood through archaeological evidence alone.
  • The codex has helped scholars better understand Mayan culture, religion, and political organization.
  • The intricate illustrations and hieroglyphic texts in the codex have also provided valuable insights into Mayan writing system and language.

In conclusion:

The Madrid Codex is a significant artifact that has contributed greatly to our understanding of Mayan civilization. Its contents are invaluable for historians, archaeologists, linguists, and scholars interested in Mesoamerican cultures. The codex’s length of approximately 92 pages makes it one of the longest surviving pre-Columbian Maya books in existence today.