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.
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Mislabeling the Mexica
- The term "Aztec" was coined by European scholars, not the people themselves.
- The Mexica, who ruled central Mexico in the 1500s, are who we often mislabel as "Aztecs".
Bias in Historical Sources
- Spanish sources often portray the Aztecs as bloodthirsty to justify their conquest.
- Indigenous sources offer a more nuanced perspective, revealing political motivations behind practices like human sacrifice.
Human Sacrifice as Political Strategy
- Nahuatl sources reveal the Aztecs used human sacrifice as a terror tactic.
- This was done to intimidate enemies and consolidate their power, rather than solely for religious reasons.