Ian's World of History |

Introduction to the Aztecs

The Aztecs, or the Mexicas as they were known to themselves were a tribe of peoples from the central American region predating the existance of many of the modern known countries in and around the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries.

The Aztec society is one around which is built a great mytholgy and has developed great interest from historians, archaeologists , spiritualist and artists alike.
The rich abundence of art and artifacts uncovered at Aztec sites are beautiful examples of a classical civilization who enriched the western world before its adoption of European culture after the invasions of the late 16th century onwards.

The Origin and Rise of the Aztecs

The first recognised city of the Aztecs is Teotihuacan which would go on to form the capital city of the Aztec world.
This city to the west of lake Xaltocan and Tenochtitlan in the middle of lake texoco was originally an area of swampland when the aztecs set up their city there in 1325. This would go on to form the centre of the Aztec empire.
Previously they were given permission to set up a city in the open and dry lands of Tizaapan but the exact origin of the tribe is unknown.
According to Aztec culture they came from a place called Aztlan, hence the name Aztec which translates roughly as "person of Aztlan". Aztlan's location has been the subject of much debate, some place it in the northern Mexico area while others would suggest it was more towards south America.
Neither theory has been proven and it is even debated that the place existed at all. If it did it is highly unlikely to be discovered due to lack of evidence.

The early Aztecs were still small fish in a large pond of powerful Mexican states and powers.
When their first emperor or Hueyi Tlatoani in 1376 the tribe was in the shadow of a regional superpower known as the Azcapotzalco and were so for the next half a century.
Trouble and conflict would arise between the two groups resulting in the assassination of the Aztec Leader by the emperor of the Azcapotzalco, Maxtla.
The reply to this by the Aztecs would be top form a coalition under new ruler, the legendary Itzcoatl with the ruler of Mexcoco which is known to history as the Aztec Triple Alliance.
The balance of power in the alliance would shift over the next 150 years and the Aztecs of Teotihuacan and tenochtitlan would go on to rule what was now known as the Aztec empire, a land stretching from the gulf of Mexico, through the Mexican valley to the edge of the pacific ocean. This was a land that would develop into an area of great prosperity and beauty over the next 300 years.
The Aztecs finally had an empire to call their own and to place thier own unique stamp on.

Aztec Society

The Aztec society is famed as being one of the first truly “modern” establishments in the world. Certainly in the new world.
Many aspects of modern society can be found in Aztec culture such as an established military service and class system as well as an efficient agricultural set up.

Life in the Aztec world was centred very much around military ideals.
Each young male had to do 5 years compulsory military service in the army between the ages of 17 and 22. During this time he would learn life skills such as hunting and survival. Many would stay on in the army for life as the structure of the army allowed even the lowliest peasent to become a commander. This system is unlike many European countries where high up positions were often reserved for nobility believing low down peoples to be unworthy leaders.
The duty of the army was, in war time, to raid enemy camps and bring back hundreds of prisoners. None were spared, men women and children were all taken.
The were taken back to the now capital city of Tenochtitlan and stored to be used as sacrifices, a very important part of Aztec culture.

Agriculture was vastly important in Aztec society as it formed their main source of food. They grew exotic fruits and vegetables such as avocados and limes which weren’t seen on European shores until the 1700’s.
Food was grown in Tenochtitlan on artificial islands in the lake where the city stood. These islands, called chinampas were a stroke of genius. The were made of highly fertile mud from the banks of the lake and were almost entirely self sufficient. They didn’t require watering or nurturing.
All farm labour, that is carrying of produce and building of chinampas was done by man power. They saw no reason to use horses or oxen. Due to this a large labour force was required, hardly a problem with the capital city having a population of 150000 plus.

The Aztecs ruthless efficiency was also enforced upon conquered peoples who were made to bring foods such as maize and corn as tributes to their new masters.
Cloth and silver were also very important spoils of war for making clothes and beautiful sculptures and mosaics.

They were not afraid to trade with other cultures to better themselves unlike many other empires who prided themselves on their self sufficiency.
From the northern islands came turquoise and other precious stones for use in art and sculptures. From the south came the wonderful coloured feathers from south American birds such as the peacock and parrot for making brightly coloured ceremonial headdresses.