Gone Medieval cover image

Gone Medieval

Aztecs

Feb 21, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Professor Camilla Townsend, a Rutgers University expert and author of "Fifth Son," reveals the complexities behind the Mexica, commonly known as the Aztecs. She debunks the myth of bloodthirstiness and shares insights from original Nahuatl sources, showcasing their humor and humanity. The podcast explores daily life in Tenochtitlan, the significance of storytelling and cosmic beliefs, and the resilience of Aztec culture amid the Spanish conquest, illuminating the depth of their civilization.
52:35

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The term 'Aztecs' is a misnomer, inaccurately reflecting the complex identity and historical narrative of the Mexica civilization.
  • Nahuatl sources are increasingly essential for understanding the Mexica worldview, revealing a rich cultural tapestry often obscured by European narratives.

Deep dives

The Misunderstanding of the Mexica Identity

The term 'Aztec' is a misnomer that refers not to the people themselves but to a name assigned by later European scholars. The Mexica, as they identified themselves, peaked in power in the early 1500s, which by the standards of the New World can be considered a medieval period. This contextualizes their cultural and historical significance as not merely ancient but part of a complex societal structure that performs its own historical narrative. Understanding the correct identity of the Mexica allows for a more nuanced exploration of their civilization, traditions, and the forces that shaped their history.

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