19 
rians. This diversity^ of which we have just 
stated the reason^ relates only to the order of 
the destructions ; for the circumstances, by which 
each of them was accompanied, are related in 
the same manner by Gomara, Pedro de los Rios, 
Ixtlilxochitl, Clavigero, and Gama. 
First cycle. Its duration is 13 x400+6=5206 
years. This number is indicated on the right in 
the lower picture by nineteen rounds, thirteen 
of which are surmounted by di feather. We have 
already observed, speaking of the calendar, that 
the hieroglyphic of the square of twenty is a fea- 
ther ; and that, like the nails of the Etruscans 
and the Romans mere rounds indicated among 
the Mexicans the number of the years. This 
first age, which corresponds to the age of justice 
( Sahia Youga) of the Hindoos, was called 
Tlaltonatiuh, age of the Earth ; it is also that of 
the giants (GLzocuilliexeque^ or Tuinametin) , for 
the historical traditions of every nation began by 
combats of giants. The Olmecks or Hulmecks, 
and the Xicalancks, two nations that preceded 
the Toltecks, and who boasted of high antiquity; 
pretended to have found them on arriving in the 
plains of Tlascalaf . According to the Pouranas, 
Bacchus, or the young Rama, gained also his 
* 'Tit. Liv. Bist. lib. 7, c. 3 (ed, Gesneri, 1735, tom. 1, 
p. 461). 
t' Torquernada, vol. 1, p. 37, 
c 2 
