Antiquities of Mexico (1831–48)

Edward King, Viscount Kingsborough, died in February 1837 from typhoid fever while imprisoned for unpaid debts related to his ambitious project, *Antiquities of Mexico* (1831-48). This extensive work, which he dedicated nearly two decades to, comprised nine volumes that showcased pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican manuscripts, including Mayan and Mixtec texts. Kingsborough collaborated with Italian artist Agostino Aglio, who created detailed lithographs that remain significant for their clarity and historical value. The project aimed to preserve and disseminate knowledge of Indigenous cultures, particularly in light of the destruction caused by the Spanish conquest, which led to the loss of most pre-Hispanic manuscripts. Kingsborough's work included reproductions of rare texts like the Codex Mendoza and the Codex Telleriano-Remensis, which were often damaged or lost over time. Additionally, Kingsborough controversially proposed that the Indigenous peoples of Mexico descended from the Lost Tribes of Israel, a theory criticized for lacking consideration of the Indigenous peoples' own cultural achievements. Despite the challenges faced during the project, including financial difficulties and the historical context of cultural erasure, *Antiquities of Mexico* remains a crucial resource for understanding Mesoamerican history and art.

- Edward King, Viscount Kingsborough, died in 1837 due to typhoid fever while imprisoned for debts.

- *Antiquities of Mexico* is a nine-volume work showcasing pre-Hispanic manuscripts.

- The project aimed to preserve Indigenous culture after the Spanish conquest's destruction.

- Kingsborough's theories about Indigenous peoples' origins have been criticized for their lack of cultural context.

- The lithographs created for the project are still valued for their clarity and historical significance.