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Montezuma II Montezuma II, also known as Moctezuma II, was the reigning Aztec emperor when the Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortes arrived in modern-day Mexico. Montezuma II ruled from 1502 to 1520, during what many consider to have been the « Continue »
When the Spanish arrived in modern-day Mexico, they were amazed by the advanced culture of the Aztecs. Although the Aztecs are remembered for their brutal human sacrifices and warrior-centric society, they were still one of the most accomplished « Continue »
Aztec mask of Xiuhtecuhtli, c. 1500, of Mixtec-Aztec provenance (Photo credit: Wikipedia) The art of the Aztecs was made with a combination of techniques and themes that were influenced by hundreds, if not thousands, of years of culture. Few of « Continue »
English: A Chipilín tamale in Oaxaca, Mexico. Español: Tamal de Chipilín en Oaxaca, Mexico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) When most people think of “Mexican food,” what they are really thinking of is “Tex-mex.” While we love the Americanized « Continue »
Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan. Mexico City (Photo credit: Wikipedia) When Mexican archaeologists found the body of a young Aztec woman in Mexico City’s Templo Mayor, they were blown away by the uniqueness of the burial. Surrounding the woman’s « Continue »
This stone carving from the South Ballcourt at the archaeological site of El Tajin, Veracruz, Mexico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) The Aztec ball game, known as ullamaliztli, was a top priority to ancient Mesoamericans. Experts believe that the game « Continue »
Close up of a prickly pear cactus with Pyramid of the Sun in the background in Teotihuacán. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) If you live in the Southwestern U.S. or Latin America, chances are you’re already very familiar with the prickly pear cactus. « Continue »
Chicomoztoc, the place of the seven caves. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Aztlán is the legendary land from which the Mexica, or Aztec people, believed they had migrated. The name “Aztlán” means “the place of whiteness” or “the place of the heron.” « Continue »
Headdress of Quetzal Feathers An Aztec headdress has been across the Atlantic in Austria for nearly half a millennia – and it won’t be coming home anytime soon. The headdress, which experts believe was a gift from Aztec Emperor Moctezuma to « Continue »
The Aztecs had an amazingly advanced society, and their culture still fascinates us today. Whether you’re a student, a tourist, or simply curious, here are a few essential facts about the Aztec people. Detail of first page from the Boturini « Continue »