Bernardino de SahagÃ n ( 1499 â `` October 23 1590 ) , was a Franciscan missionary to the Aztec ( Nahua ) people of Mexico , best known as the compiler of the Florentine Codex , also known as Historia general de las cosas de Nueva EspaÃ a ( General History of the Things of New Spain ) . â He is best known as the author of La Historia General de las Cosas de Nueva Espana ( in English : the General History of the Things of New Spain , hereafter shortened to Historia General ) . Historia General is commonly referred to as The Florentine Codex , named after its current location .