Codex Vaticanus A (3738)

The detailed illustrations of this codex provided comparable translation services for the understanding of the Chichimeken as the Rosetta Stone did for the decipherment of hieroglyphics. The Chichimecs refer to those indigenous inhabitants of Mexico who originated north of the high valley of present-day Mexico City. They were considered uncivilized for a long time, partly because of linguistic differences from the other cultures of Mesoamerica. The present Codex Vaticanus A 3738 was written after 1566 by the Dominican friar Pedro de los Ríos, who as a member of the Order capable of studying the original cultures of Mexico well. The buildings of the Dominican Order still bear witness to this type of study in many parts of Mexico. The work of Pedro de los Ríos, which is presented here in an Italian translation, thus became an important aid in understanding this culture, which is otherwise difficult to access.