Mesoamerica is a term used to describe the region roughly corresponding to modern day Mexico and Central America which was inhabited by various societies before Spanish colonization following the discovery by Christopher Columbus of the "New World."
Included in that new world was the Aztec Empire which dominated most of central Mexico as well as other territories in Mesoamerica from the early 14th century until the Spanish conquest in 1521.
The term Aztec is usually used to refer to the Nahuatl-speaking people of central Mexico, but more specifically it describes the Mexica people who built Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec Empire, and the inhabitants of its allies, the Acolhuas of Texcoco and the Tepanecs of Tlacopan.
Modern day Mexico City was built on the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. A majority of modern day Mexicans are mestizos a term used to describe a person of combined European and indigenous descent. The Nahuatl language of the Aztecs has been spoken in central Mexico since at least the seventh century CE and is still spoken by approximately 1.7 million people primarily in the mountainous regions of Mexico.
My introduction to this awesome indigenous culture include the following accomplishments of the Aztec which I find particularly worthwhile sharing. So if you are ready, let's meet the Aztecs!
#1 THE AZTECS BUILT ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST POWERFUL EMPIRES IN MESOAMERICA
Map of the Aztec Empire at its greatest extent
The Mexica were migrants who arrived in the Valley of Mexico around 1250 AD and founded the city of Tenochtitlan in 1325 AD. Initially they allied with and paid tribute to Azcapotzalco, the capital city of the Tepanec Empire. In 1426, the Azcapotzalco king arranged the assassination of the Mexica ruler. The following year Tenochtitlan allied with the city-states of Texcoco, Tlacopan, and Huexotzinco to wage war against Azcapotzalco. They emerged victorious in 1428.
After the war, Huexotzinco withdrew. The other three city-states formed the Triple Alliance with Tenochtitlan soon becoming the dominant power. The alliance waged wars of conquest and expanded rapidly after its formation. At its heights, the Triple Alliance or the Aztec Empire controlled most of central Mexico as well as other territories.
#2 THE AZTECS WERE HIGHLY SKILLED ENGINEERS
The Mexica were migrants who arrived in the Valley of Mexico around 1250 AD and founded the city of Tenochtitlan in 1325 AD. Initially they allied with and paid tribute to Azcapotzalco, the capital city of the Tepanec Empire. In 1426, the Azcapotzalco king arranged the assassination of the Mexica ruler. The following year Tenochtitlan allied with the city-states of Texcoco, Tlacopan, and Huexotzinco to wage war against Azcapotzalco. They emerged victorious in 1428.
After the war, Huexotzinco withdrew. The other three city-states formed the Triple Alliance with Tenochtitlan soon becoming the dominant power. The alliance waged wars of conquest and expanded rapidly after its formation. At its heights, the Triple Alliance or the Aztec Empire controlled most of central Mexico as well as other territories.
#2 THE AZTECS WERE HIGHLY SKILLED ENGINEERS
When the Aztecs founded the city of Tenochtitlan in 1325 it was a small swampy island in Lake Texcoco in the Valley of Mexico. This posed a great challenge to the Aztecs as anything they would build would sink due to the geography of the region. They ingeniously met this challenge by pounding wooden piles into the lake bed below water in close packed formations to provide a firm foundation for their buildings. These pilings were then surrounded by volcanic stone to add strength.
The Aztecs connected their city to the mainland by building three causeways to the north, south, and west. The fact that their structures built on top of these foundations didn’t topple or sink bears testament to their amazing engineering skills. The causeways were built straight and were as wide as 45 feet. The causeways had retractable bridges which could be opened in order to allow the passage of boats or as a defense measure in case of attempted invasion.
#3 THE AZTECS PERFECTED THE TECHNIQUE OF CREATING ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS CALLED CHINAMPAS
A 16th century painting depicting the Aztec building chinampas
A 16th century painting depicting the Aztec building chinampas
Chinampas were basically man-made artificial islands. The Aztecs perfected the technique of building chinampas allowing them to create new land to farm and to live on. A chinampa was created by staking out the shallow lake bed and weaving the stakes together to form fences. The fenced off area was then filled with mud, lake sediment, and decaying vegetation which eventually brought it above the level of the lake. Trees were often planted along the perimeter to stabilize these artificially built islands.
The lake provided the chinampas with moisture filled with decomposing organic wastes that irrigated and fertilized the artificial island’s soil which in turn supported an intensive and highly productive form of cultivation. The chinampas could produce up to 7 crops a year providing enough food for the rising population of the Aztec cities.
#4 THE AZTEC CITY OF TENOCHTITLAN WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST CITIES OF THE TIME
The lake provided the chinampas with moisture filled with decomposing organic wastes that irrigated and fertilized the artificial island’s soil which in turn supported an intensive and highly productive form of cultivation. The chinampas could produce up to 7 crops a year providing enough food for the rising population of the Aztec cities.
#4 THE AZTEC CITY OF TENOCHTITLAN WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST CITIES OF THE TIME
Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the expanding Aztec empire during the 15th century. Founded in 1325 Tenochtitlan became the largest city in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica until it was captured by the Spanish in 1521. Today the ruins of Tenochtitlan are located in historic center of the Mexican capital.
Tenochtitlan with its streets, causeways, canals, aqueducts, marketplaces, palaces, and buildings like the Templo Mayor was one of the most marvelous cities in the world at the time. When the Spanish first saw Tenochtitlan they were so amazed they doubted whether it was real or whether they were hallucinating.
Diego Rivera's "The Marketplace Tlatelolco" is a representation of the multiple products, services, activities, and personages to be seen at this great Aztec marketplace.
Diego Rivera's mural as seen at the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) in Mexico City depicting life in Aztec times.
#5 THE AZTECS HAD GREAT KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINE AND
PERFORMED SURGERIES
An Aztec physician preparing a herbal medicine as depicted in the Florentine Codex which was written between 1540 and 1585 and is the most authoritative statement we have of the Aztecs' life ways and tradition.
The Aztecs believed that there were three main causes of illness: punishment from an angry god or goddess, black magic inflicted by an enemy, or by natural causes.
Ixtlilton, an Aztec god of medicine
Aztec physicians, known as tictils, were accomplished herbalists who also did medicinal research. They had a great knowledge of herbs and plants and apart from using them for prophetic and religious activities, they also used them in medicine. Aztecs also used traction to help reduce the affect of fractures and sprains and splints to immobilize fractures. After a surgical procedure they often covered the wound with crushed plants to aid the healing process.
Patecatl, god of healing and fertility
A depiction of Aztecs making music. Rock on Aztecs!
The highest form of art in the Aztec culture was song and poetry with contests being held at most festivals. The Aztec passed down their poetry verbally and it was only after the Spanish conquest that collections of their poems were made. The most famous among these is "Romances de los señores de la Nueva Espana" (Romances of the Lords of the New Spain). The Aztec also played various musical instruments including the flute and drums.
Another depiction of the Aztecs making music which looks like quite a party!
The Aztecs were also skilled at carving sculptures in stone and wood from small figurines to large monuments. The most famous work of Aztec sculpture is the Aztec Sun Stone (Spanish: Piedra del Sol) which was carved from solidified basalt (lava) stone sometime between 1502 and 1521.
Image of the Aztec Sun Stone at the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City.
The Aztec Sun Stone depicts the five worlds of the sun from Aztec mythology. It is an elaborately carved disk which for the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures represented rulership. One theory is that the face at the center of the stone represents Tonatiuh, the Aztec deity of the sun. It is because of this that the stone became known as the "Sun Stone."
Weighing approximately 24 tons the stone is approximately three feet thick and measures almost 12 feet in diameter. Its design is rich with animals and other symbols which are all part of the complex cosmology of the Aztec. For example, the deity Tonatiuh sits in the middle holding a human heart in each hand. His outstretched tongue is a blade for ritual sacrifice which was a common Aztec practice.
Somehow this massive stone carving was "lost" for 300 years, but it was eventually found in 1790 during repairs on the Mexico City Cathedral on the central plaza of Mexico City. Which obviously begs the question: How does one loose a carved stone sculpture of this magnitude!
Their most prized art form, however, was feather work which was created by the Aztec artisans weaving together brightly colored bird feathers to form cloaks and magnificent headdresses which were worn by their leaders including the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II (aka Montezuma).
Modern reproduction of the headdress of Moctezuma II as seen at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Tradition holds it belonged to Moctezuma II, the Aztec emperor at the time of the Spanish Conquest.
The Aztec tradition of feathered headdresses survives as seen today in Mexico.
A lovely modern day Aztec "princess" wearing a gorgeous feathered headdress.
I was proud to try on a replica of the magnificent feathered headdress of Moctezuma II when visiting the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico. Isn't it simply stunning!
#7 THE AZTEC WERE THE FIRST TO PROVIDE UNIVERSAL COMPULSORY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
The Aztec Empire is regarded as the first state to implement a system of universal compulsory education. Every child was educated regardless of his or her social status, whether noble, commoner, or slave.
From the ages of twelve to fifteen all children were required to attend schools where they were taught ceremonial songs, history, and the culture of their civilization. Boys and girls attended different schools. Formal education for the girls usually ended at the age of fifteen.
There were two schools for the boys after the age of fifteen: the Telpochcalli, which was the school for the poor and was primarily military in nature, but also included civics, history, and religion. And the Calmecac which was the school for the nobles which also included military training, but also the study of religion, governing, astronomy, math, architecture, and history.
The above accomplishments are just a few of the many accomplishments of the Aztecs, but were some of my favorites. I am definitely looking forward to a return trip to the incredible Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City to revisit and spend more time with the Aztecs. In the meantime the following link will magically transport you to this outstanding museum:
MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY MEXICO CITY BLOG POSTING
And last, but not least, the following link will transport you to my blog posting with many colorful images of modern day Aztecs including my two favorite following photographs.
FIESTA DE LOS CONCHEROS
thank you for joining me in this introduction to the Aztecs and their awesome accomplishments. Be forewarned: I have developed more than a slight obsession with the Aztec culture and I look forward to sharing more of the Aztecs with you in the near future. Until then, I wish you well wherever your travels and adventures may take you.
Saludos and gracias, Laura in my Aztec "Sun Stone" shirt
At its peak Tenochtitlan was the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas. It covered an estimated area of approximately 4 l/4 square miles and had a population between 200,000 and 300,000. At its height its population was approximately twice the size of London or Rome and was one of the largest cities in the world.
Depiction of the Aztecs Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan
The Templo Mayor (Spanish for "Greater Temple") which was called Hueteocalli by the Aztecs dominated the central sacred precinct of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Topped by twin temples dedicated to the war god Huitzilopochtli and the rain god Tlaloc it was a focal point of the Aztec religion and the very center of the Aztec world. Construction began sometime after 1325 and it was rebuilt six times.
View of the excavation site of the Templo Mayor today which is located on the main plaza of Mexico City
The Temple Major was destroyed by the Spanish in 1521 in order to make way for their cathedral which they wanted built on its site and which is still located on the Plaza de la Constitucion (the main square) of Mexico City as seen below.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heavens (Spanish: Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María a los cielos) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico.
The Templo Mayor (Spanish for "Greater Temple") which was called Hueteocalli by the Aztecs dominated the central sacred precinct of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Topped by twin temples dedicated to the war god Huitzilopochtli and the rain god Tlaloc it was a focal point of the Aztec religion and the very center of the Aztec world. Construction began sometime after 1325 and it was rebuilt six times.
The Temple Major was destroyed by the Spanish in 1521 in order to make way for their cathedral which they wanted built on its site and which is still located on the Plaza de la Constitucion (the main square) of Mexico City as seen below.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heavens (Spanish: Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María a los cielos) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico.
#5 THE AZTECS HAD GREAT KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINE AND
PERFORMED SURGERIES
An Aztec physician preparing a herbal medicine as depicted in the Florentine Codex which was written between 1540 and 1585 and is the most authoritative statement we have of the Aztecs' life ways and tradition.
The Aztecs believed that there were three main causes of illness: punishment from an angry god or goddess, black magic inflicted by an enemy, or by natural causes.
Aztec physicians, known as tictils, were accomplished herbalists who also did medicinal research. They had a great knowledge of herbs and plants and apart from using them for prophetic and religious activities, they also used them in medicine. Aztecs also used traction to help reduce the affect of fractures and sprains and splints to immobilize fractures. After a surgical procedure they often covered the wound with crushed plants to aid the healing process.
In Aztec mythology, Patecatl is a god of healing and fertility, the discoverer of peyote, as well as the lord of the root of pulque. Pulque is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant. It is traditional to central Mexico where it has been produced for millennia. And in my opinion, pulque would have been very much appreciated prior to undergoing the knife which were made of volcanic glass. Ouch!
#6 THE AZTECS HAD A RICH TRADITION OF POETRY, SCULPTURE, AND MUSIC
#6 THE AZTECS HAD A RICH TRADITION OF POETRY, SCULPTURE, AND MUSIC
The highest form of art in the Aztec culture was song and poetry with contests being held at most festivals. The Aztec passed down their poetry verbally and it was only after the Spanish conquest that collections of their poems were made. The most famous among these is "Romances de los señores de la Nueva Espana" (Romances of the Lords of the New Spain). The Aztec also played various musical instruments including the flute and drums.
The Aztecs were also skilled at carving sculptures in stone and wood from small figurines to large monuments. The most famous work of Aztec sculpture is the Aztec Sun Stone (Spanish: Piedra del Sol) which was carved from solidified basalt (lava) stone sometime between 1502 and 1521.
The Aztec Sun Stone depicts the five worlds of the sun from Aztec mythology. It is an elaborately carved disk which for the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures represented rulership. One theory is that the face at the center of the stone represents Tonatiuh, the Aztec deity of the sun. It is because of this that the stone became known as the "Sun Stone."
Weighing approximately 24 tons the stone is approximately three feet thick and measures almost 12 feet in diameter. Its design is rich with animals and other symbols which are all part of the complex cosmology of the Aztec. For example, the deity Tonatiuh sits in the middle holding a human heart in each hand. His outstretched tongue is a blade for ritual sacrifice which was a common Aztec practice.
Somehow this massive stone carving was "lost" for 300 years, but it was eventually found in 1790 during repairs on the Mexico City Cathedral on the central plaza of Mexico City. Which obviously begs the question: How does one loose a carved stone sculpture of this magnitude!
Visiting the famous Aztec Sun Stone at the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City is a definite must!
Modern reproduction of the headdress of Moctezuma II as seen at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Tradition holds it belonged to Moctezuma II, the Aztec emperor at the time of the Spanish Conquest.
A little current history and dispute concerning Moctezuma's headdress:
Xokonoschtletl Gómora, born 17 February 1951 in Mexico City, is a Mexican dancer who performs to Pre-Hispanic traditional music, a writer, lecturer, and civic activist. He was commissioned by the United Nations for the Frente Mexicano Pro Derechos Humanos (English: Mexican Front for Human Rights) to promote the protection of Mexican cultural heritage. He is best known for leading the Asociación Civil Internacional Yankuik Anahuak (International Civil Association of the People of the Valley of Mexico) and because for over thirty years he has pushed for the return of a quetzal feather headdress (Nahuatl: quetzalpanecáyotl) known as Montezuma's headdress currently located in the Vienna Museum of Ethnology.
With my sincere appreciation for your efforts, Xokonoschtletl, and best wishes for your success, Laura
Xokonoschtletl Gómora, born 17 February 1951 in Mexico City, is a Mexican dancer who performs to Pre-Hispanic traditional music, a writer, lecturer, and civic activist. He was commissioned by the United Nations for the Frente Mexicano Pro Derechos Humanos (English: Mexican Front for Human Rights) to promote the protection of Mexican cultural heritage. He is best known for leading the Asociación Civil Internacional Yankuik Anahuak (International Civil Association of the People of the Valley of Mexico) and because for over thirty years he has pushed for the return of a quetzal feather headdress (Nahuatl: quetzalpanecáyotl) known as Montezuma's headdress currently located in the Vienna Museum of Ethnology.
With my sincere appreciation for your efforts, Xokonoschtletl, and best wishes for your success, Laura
I was proud to try on a replica of the magnificent feathered headdress of Moctezuma II when visiting the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico. Isn't it simply stunning!
Dressed up in their Aztec finery for a special school day.
From the ages of twelve to fifteen all children were required to attend schools where they were taught ceremonial songs, history, and the culture of their civilization. Boys and girls attended different schools. Formal education for the girls usually ended at the age of fifteen.
There were two schools for the boys after the age of fifteen: the Telpochcalli, which was the school for the poor and was primarily military in nature, but also included civics, history, and religion. And the Calmecac which was the school for the nobles which also included military training, but also the study of religion, governing, astronomy, math, architecture, and history.
The above accomplishments are just a few of the many accomplishments of the Aztecs, but were some of my favorites. I am definitely looking forward to a return trip to the incredible Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City to revisit and spend more time with the Aztecs. In the meantime the following link will magically transport you to this outstanding museum:
MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY MEXICO CITY BLOG POSTING
FIESTA DE LOS CONCHEROS
thank you for joining me in this introduction to the Aztecs and their awesome accomplishments. Be forewarned: I have developed more than a slight obsession with the Aztec culture and I look forward to sharing more of the Aztecs with you in the near future. Until then, I wish you well wherever your travels and adventures may take you.
