Codex Tro-Cortesianus (Codex Madrid)

One of only three surviving authentic Mayan codices: the famous Tro-Cortesianus! The enchantment of the culture of this Central American people is brought to life in the gorgeous, mysterious, and superbly illustrative Mayan language. Astrological calculations and prophetic forecasts allow us to draw conclusions about the life of the Maya, their daily life and their religious practices. Coming to Spain in two parts, the exceptional codex – 6.82 meters long when unfolded – counts among the greatest treasures of the Museo de América in Madrid!

A True Picture Puzzle

Enigmatic symbols and wondrous creatures populate the unusual manuscript: snakes, which form a circle, a devilishly grinning gnome with a torch in hand, a dragon with a splendidly-adorned brow, and much more. Additional unknown symbols are recorded and strung in rows between the large miniatures. These symbols are the fascinating script of the Maya, the indigenous peoples of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The Mayan script manages to keep some of its wonderful secrets to itself today!

An Unbelievably Long Codex

The famous Codex Tro-Cortesianus is one of only three surviving Mayan codices in the world. The unusual manuscript consists of a 6.82 meter long, folded piece of agate paper. The Tro-Cortesianus has writing on both sides. It originated from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico sometime in the 14th century, where impressive temple ruins like Tikal or Tulum attest to the grandiose culture of the Maya. Their written documents were completely destroyed, above all by 16th century Spanish conquistadors. Today, only three authentic Mayan codices survive, which are guarded as particularly valuable attestations to the multi-facetted culture of the Maya.

Mystical Predictions, Calculated Exactly

There is, inter alia, a calendar with prophetic predictions and astrologically-based auguries in the famous Mayan codex that gives a glimpse into this fascinating world. Astronomical tables and horoscopes concerning the calculations for the appropriate timing of rituals and agricultural are strung along together. Themes such as hunting and agriculture – beekeeping is particularly important, inter alia, – were considered in this cosmos and provide allusions to the day-to-day of the Maya. Various rituals and ceremonies, including human sacrifice, also make the religious practices of the Maya come alive.

Wondrous Provenance

The Tro-Cortesianus can look back on an eventful history. The manuscript came to Spain from its country of origin in two parts: the first was presumably brought by a conquistador to his Spanish home. This, the so-called Cortesiano-Part of the codex, was discovered in the Extremadura region, where Hernan Cortés, inter alia, made his home. Many famous explorers are associated with the name of this region. The second part of the manuscript was discovered in the 1860’s by Juan de Tro y Ortolano in Madrid. The codex earned the second part of its enigmatic name in this way. Today, the Tro-Cortesianus is the most precious exhibition of the Museo de América in Madrid!