Who Wrote the Madrid Codex?

By Anna Duncan

The Madrid Codex is one of the most important pre-Columbian texts of the Mayan civilization. The codex is a collection of hieroglyphic texts and illustrations on bark paper, which was discovered in Spain in the 16th century. While the contents of the codex are fascinating, there has been much debate over who wrote it.

Background Information

The Mayan civilization existed from around 2000 BC to 1500 AD in modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. They had a complex system of writing that consisted of hieroglyphs, which were used to record historical events, religious practices, and political affairs.

The Madrid Codex is believed to have been created during the Late Postclassic period (1200-1521 AD). It contains information about astronomy, astrology, ritual practices, and divination. The codex is also notable for its depiction of gods and goddesses.

Theories About Who Wrote the Madrid Codex

There are several theories about who wrote the Madrid Codex. Some scholars believe that it was created by scribes in Mayan communities in Mexico or Guatemala. Others suggest that it was created by scribes at a single royal court.

One theory proposes that Spanish conquistadors who arrived in Central America during the 16th century took the codex from a Mayan temple or palace and brought it back to Spain. However, this theory has been largely discredited due to lack of evidence.

Another theory suggests that Franciscan friars who were living among Mayan communities during the colonial period may have commissioned the creation of the codex. This theory is based on similarities between some of the illustrations in the codex and Christian iconography.

Conclusion

Overall, while there are several theories about who wrote the Madrid Codex, no definitive conclusion has been reached. The codex remains an enigma, but its importance to the Mayan civilization and our understanding of their complex culture cannot be overstated.

If you are interested in learning more about the Madrid Codex and the Mayan civilization, there are several books and online resources available. Many museums also have exhibitions featuring artifacts from this fascinating period in history.