The Aztec civilization, known for its grand temples and complex society, holds many secrets that often go untold in traditional history books. While we may learn about their impressive architectural feats and calendar system, there’s a wealth of fascinating and sometimes shocking details about Aztec life that rarely make it into mainstream education. Aztec society was more than just indiscriminate human sacrifice and beautiful temples. These ancient people have a fascinating history.
Human Sacrifice as Weather Control
The Aztecs believed that human sacrifice was necessary to keep the sun moving across the sky and ensure good weather for crops. They would often sacrifice people during times of drought or other natural disasters, thinking it would appease the gods and bring rain. This practice was so ingrained in their culture that they sometimes went to war specifically to capture prisoners for sacrifice.
Chocolate as Currency
Cacao beans, used to make chocolate, were so valuable to the Aztecs that they used them as a form of currency. People could buy goods and services with these beans. The Aztecs even had counterfeit cacao beans made of clay, showing how important this “money” was to their economy.
Mandatory Education for All
Contrary to many ancient societies, the Aztecs had a system of mandatory education for all children, regardless of social class. Boys and girls attended separate schools from age 12, learning history, religion, and practical skills. This widespread education system was rare for its time and contributed to the Aztecs’ complex society.
Floating Gardens for Agriculture
The Aztecs created ingenious floating gardens called chinampas to increase their agricultural output. These were made by piling up aquatic vegetation and mud in shallow lake beds. The chinampas were incredibly fertile and allowed the Aztecs to grow crops year-round, supporting their large population in an otherwise challenging environment.
Ritual Cannibalism
After human sacrifices, the Aztecs sometimes practiced ritual cannibalism. They believed that eating the flesh of sacrificed individuals, particularly warriors, would transfer their strength to the eater. This practice was typically reserved for priests and nobility and was seen as a sacred act rather than one of violence or hunger.
Advanced Medical Practices
The Aztecs had surprisingly advanced medical knowledge for their time. They performed complex surgeries, including brain surgery, and had an extensive understanding of herbal medicine. Aztec doctors could set broken bones, treat eye diseases, and even perform dental work, showcasing a level of medical expertise that rivaled many other civilizations of the era.
Skull Racks as Public Displays
The Aztecs created large racks called tzompantli to display the skulls of sacrificed individuals. These macabre structures could hold thousands of skulls and were prominently displayed near temples. The tzompantli served as a reminder of the power of the gods and the Aztec state, intimidating both citizens and enemies.
Flowery Wars for Training
The Aztecs engaged in pre-arranged battles called “Flowery Wars” with neighboring city-states. These conflicts weren’t about conquest but were used to capture prisoners for sacrifice and train young warriors. The Flowery Wars also helped maintain a balance of power between city-states and provided a controlled outlet for aggression.
Xocolatl: The Original Energy Drink
The Aztecs created a drink called xocolatl, made from cacao beans, which is considered the predecessor to modern hot chocolate. Unlike our sweet version, xocolatl was bitter and often mixed with chili peppers. The Aztecs believed this drink provided energy and stamina, and it was often consumed before battle.
Complex Water Management Systems
The Aztecs built intricate systems of dams, canals, and aqueducts to manage water in their capital, Tenochtitlan. These systems controlled flooding, separated fresh and salt water, and provided clean drinking water to the city. Their water management techniques were so advanced that some aspects were still in use centuries after the fall of the Aztec empire.
Ball Games with Deadly Stakes
The Aztecs played a ball game called ullamaliztli that had ritual significance. Players had to hit a rubber ball through stone hoops using only their hips. The game often had high stakes, with some sources suggesting that captains or entire teams of the losing side could be sacrificed. This intense sport combined athletic skill with religious importance.
Poop as a Beauty Treatment
In Aztec medicine and cosmetics, human urine and feces were sometimes used as ingredients. They believed these substances had curative properties for certain ailments. Additionally, they used urine as a mordant in their textile dyeing process, helping to fix colors in fabrics.
Temazcal: The Sweat Lodge Ritual
The Aztecs practiced a purification ritual in sweat lodges called temazcal. These dome-shaped structures were used for both physical and spiritual cleansing. People would enter the heated lodge, often infused with aromatic herbs, to sweat out impurities and connect with the gods.
Nahualli: Shape-Shifting Sorcerers
Aztec mythology included the concept of nahualli, individuals who could transform into animals. These shape-shifters were believed to have special powers and could be either benevolent or malevolent. The idea of nahualli influenced Aztec social and religious practices, with some people claiming to have animal counterparts.
Teotleco: The Festival of the Gods’ Arrival
The Aztecs celebrated a unique festival called Teotleco, which marked the return of their gods. During this event, people would scatter maize flour on the floor and watch for footprints, believing they were signs of the gods’ arrival. This festival showcased the Aztecs’ deep connection to their deities and the natural world.
Pochteca: The Spy Merchants
The Aztecs had a class of long-distance traders called pochteca who also served as spies for the empire. These merchants traveled far beyond Aztec borders, gathering information on other societies. They played a crucial role in Aztec diplomacy and expansion, providing valuable intelligence to the rulers.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
