The ancient Aztecs lived thousands of years ago in what is now known today as Mexico, before their collapse. In 1519, Hernan Cortes arrived with a fleet of ships after rumour had spread of a city containing great wealth. It was believed that Cortes’ arrival coincided with an ancient Aztec prophecy about a pale skinned and bearded god arriving from the east. Cortes was welcomed by the king of Tenochtitlan, Montezuma. He gave Cortes many gifts, such as precious stones, gold and chocolate. Cortes was welcomed to Tenochtitlan and even given a place to live, but soon their bonds deteriorated, and, fearing attack from the Aztec people, Cortes kidnapped Montezuma, demanding a huge ransom from the Aztec people. However, they did not like Montezuma and responded with rocks and arrows. But by a stone, Montezuma
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Daily Aztec Life
Protected by clay, Aztec codices show us much of we know about their daily life, before, during and after the Spanish conquest. One of these codices (source 1) was found in the city of Tenochtitlan within a clay jar. It is a very rare find and the fact that it is nearly perfectly in tact is just amazing. It shows the child on the left being held over a fire of burning chilly peppers and being forced to inhale the smoke, and the daughter on the right is being threatened with the same punishment. Both children are crying as the smoke burns the eyes, should it get in, and burns throat when inhaled.
Another codex (Source 2), once again in near perfect condition and found protected within a clay pot. depicts the Aztec god of rain, Tlaloc. Tlaloc was the ultimate threat used against children, as children who misbehaved terribly were sacrificed to Tlaloc. As Tlaloc was a rain god, the sacrifice was prolonged to make the child cry more, as the Aztecs believed that the tears from the child pleased Tlaloc and even methods of torture were
Daily Aztec Life
Protected by clay, Aztec codices show us much of we know about their daily life, before, during and after the Spanish conquest. One of these codices (source 1) was found in the city of Tenochtitlan within a clay jar. It is a very rare find and the fact that it is nearly perfectly in tact is just amazing. It shows the child on the left being held over a fire of burning chilly peppers and being forced to inhale the smoke, and the daughter on the right is being threatened with the same punishment. Both children are crying as the smoke burns the eyes, should it get in, and burns throat when inhaled.
Another codex (Source 2), once again in near perfect condition and found protected within a clay pot. depicts the Aztec god of rain, Tlaloc. Tlaloc was the ultimate threat used against children, as children who misbehaved terribly were sacrificed to Tlaloc. As Tlaloc was a rain god, the sacrifice was prolonged to make the child cry more, as the Aztecs believed that the tears from the child pleased Tlaloc and even methods of torture were