Archeologists Find Unusual Aztec Warriors' Grave

by patgarcia | February 10, 2009 at 09:13 pm

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The remains have many characteristics that lead to think they are warriors, tall young men with bones that had been broken and healed. What makes this burial unusual is the mixture of two cultures. Aztec and Spaniard, state archaeologists Susan Gillespie and Salvador Guilliem.

Archaeologists digging in a ruined pyramid in downtown Mexico City said Tuesday they found a mass grave that may hold the skeletal remains of the Aztec holdouts who fought conquistador Hernan Cortes.

The unusual burial holds the carefully arrayed skeletons of at least 49 adult Indians who were buried in the remains of a pyramid razed by the Spaniards during the 1521 conquest of the Aztec capital.

The pyramid complex, in the city's Tlatelolco square, was the site of the last Indian resistance to the Spaniards during the monthslong battle for the city.

The life of Aztec warriors was one of constant battle. The primary purpose for this continual Aztec warfare was to take prisoners to be sacrificed to their gods. As the Aztec empire expanded, however, another major purpose of Aztec wars was to expand the size and power of the empire.

Becoming an Aztec Warrior

Young Aztec men became warriors at the young age of 17. Aztec warriors were expected to be brave and noble. Yet, both free commoners and nobility underwent military training. Those who were of noble lineage, however, also received training in religion, politics, or history by the priests. The priests, too, engaged in warfare, as the overall purpose of the Aztec warriors was to serve and pay respect to the gods. The pride the Aztecs felt in warfare was even made evident by their system ofgovernment, which required new rulers to prove themselves first on the battlefield.

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rammaralif

at 13:49 on February 11th, 2009

This stucco, of three warriors, which shows a remarkable level of preservation was taken out of the crematorium at Malinalco. It now resides in the museum at the base of the mountain. Malinalco was a Matlazinca ceremonial site. The Matlazincas were absorbed as part of the Aztec nation.

rammaralif has contributed a photo to this story.

jhazell

at 10:20 on February 13th, 2009

Wonderful posting, its amazing that in every age some "super" power comes in and decides to force their views, their religion and take what they need of another culture in another part of the world. We just don't learn a thing. Imagine if the Aztecs or the Maya, or even North American Indian cultures had been left alone to develop through the ages. The good and the bad would have happened, but what amazing things could have developed??

Maybe an earth more tuned to the environment and ending up spiritually strong and better balanced?? I know both cultures had a warrior sect and rituals, but were they anymore arcane or bloody than the Spanish Conquistadors and the Vatican Inquisition?? Maybe we should learn from our past and remind ourselves that different is not necessarily wrong and culture and religion have to be understood in their respective places of origin.

Nice post look forward to more...

rumana husain

at 09:34 on February 11th, 2009

interesting post patgarcia."...prisoners to be sacrificed to their gods..." mankind has improved war tactics and weapons for creating such mass graves in order to please certain gods in today's so-called civilized world.

Karenke4

at 10:36 on February 11th, 2009

How interesting! Thanks Pat

LannaLuminos

at 14:33 on February 11th, 2009

This picture is taken of two avatars in a virtual world called Second Life. The avatars are dressed in full Aztec warrior apparel located in a sim sponsored by Mexico in Second Life.

LannaLuminos has contributed a photo to this story.