We've all heard stories of the Aztecs getting
snowed out of their golden fortune by Spanish Conquistadors led by
Hernan Cortes in the early 16th century, and we've heard tales of ritual sacrifice, cannibalism and infanticide.
But
unless you've studied the Aztecs you're probably a bit hazy about many
aspects of their warrior society, wondering where the myths end and the
true (hi)story begins.
Aztecs were undisputably badass on the battlefield, and they employed psychological tactics in battle as well as a massive
Macuahuitl, basically a cricket bat with obsidian blades mounted on both sides.
According to a Spanish report
an Aztec warrior was able to cut off a horse's head with this fearsome weapon, a fact which was recently proven true on the show
The Deadliest Warrior.
The Aztecs also
wore animal inspired armor
and made a racket with drums and savage screams to strike terror into
the hearts of their enemies, hoping to make them scatter in battle.
But despite their fearsome tactics and reports of their bloodlust the Aztecs
preferred to take prisoners rather than kill in battle, because it takes more skill to imprison a soldier.
Plus, this meant the Aztecs would have more warriors to
sacrifice to their massive pantheon of gods...
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