Episodes
The Siege of Tenochtitlan: The Final 93 Days
In this milestone 200th episode of The Aztec Empire: Power, Sacrifice, and Sudden Destruction, we confront the brutal endgame. The year is 1521. Hernán Cortés and his allied forces — including tens of thousands of Tlaxcalans — surround the island city of Tenochtitlan. Over 93 days, the Aztec capital endures a relentless blockade: famine, smallpox, and the destruction of its aqueducts. We follow the final days of Cuauhtemoc, the last Huey Tlatoani, whose desperate defense is chronicled in the…
The Aztec Conquest of Cempoala — First Blood
In 1519, Hernán Cortés and his small Spanish force stepped ashore on the Gulf Coast of Mexico and found a world of city-states simmering with resentment against the Aztec Empire. This episode follows the pivotal first encounter with the Totonac people of Cempoala — a wealthy, tribute-heavy province that had long chafed under Aztec rule. We explore how Cortés, aided by his interpreter Malintzin and the Cempoalan leader Xicomecoatl, engineered a bold act of defiance: the arrest of Aztec tribute…
The Aztec Flower Wars: Ritual Combat and Real Blood
In this episode of The Aztec Empire, Lucas and Luna explore the xochiyaoyotl, or Flower Wars — the ritualized conflicts between the Aztec Triple Alliance and its rivals, especially Tlaxcala. They unpack how these battles were more about capturing prisoners for sacrifice than conquering land, and why both sides seemed to play by an unwritten rulebook. The hosts trace the origins of the Flower Wars under Tlacaelel and Motecuhzoma I, consider the debate over whether they were a genuine religious…
The Aztec Aqueducts: Engineering Water for Tenochtitlan
Before the Spanish arrived, Tenochtitlan was a city of 200,000 people floating on a lake. Fresh water was its greatest challenge. This episode traces the engineering and politics behind the aqueducts that kept the Aztec capital alive. We follow the Chapultepec springs, the rise of the first aqueduct under Motecuhzoma I, the great flood of 1449, and the reign of Nezahualcoyotl, the poet-king who also built one of the largest waterworks in the ancient world. We look at why the city needed a…
The Aztec Afterlife: Mictlan, Tlalocan, and the Warrior's Final Journey
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Aztec vision of the afterlife—a world far richer than a single underworld. They trace the warrior's path to the House of the Sun, the merchant's journey to Tlalocan, and the long descent through Mictlan's nine levels, guided by the dead and the gods. Along the way, they meet Mictlantecuhtli, the Lord of the Dead, and his consort Mictecacihuatl, whose skull face has become an icon of Día de los Muertos. They also decode the symbolism of the tzompantli…
The Aztec Merchant Spy Network
Long before the conquistadors arrived, the Aztec Empire ran on a vast network of merchant-spies known as pochteca. These traders did more than exchange cacao, gold, and feathers—they gathered intelligence, mapped distant lands, and acted as the empire's eyes and ears. This episode follows a pochteca on a fictional but historically grounded expedition from Tenochtitlan to the Gulf Coast, through the dangerous Yope country and the luxurious markets of Tochtepec. We explore how these merchants…
The Aztec Sun Stone: Calendar, Myth, and the Fifth Sun
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Aztec Sun Stone—the massive carved disk unearthed in Mexico City in 1790. They unpack what it actually is (and isn't), tracing its glyphs, the five cosmic eras, and the central face that some read as Tonatiuh, the sun god, or as the earth monster Tlaltecuhtli. They discuss the stone's possible function as a cuauhxicalli, a sacrificial vessel, and its connection to the New Fire ceremony, Moctezuma II, and the Templo Mayor. The conversation also touches…
The Aztec Market at Tlatelolco: Where an Empire Bought and Sold
Step into the vast open-air market of Tlatelolco, the commercial heart of the Aztec Empire, where thousands gathered daily to trade everything from cacao and maize to slaves and exotic feathers. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the market's layout, the role of the pochteca long-distance merchants, the use of cacao beans as currency, and the strict rules — set by the emperor himself — that governed every transaction. They also trace how the market's enormous scale and organization stunned…
The Eagle and the Obsidian: Inside an Aztec Warrior's Gear
In episode 192 of The Aztec Empire, Lucas and Luna dig into the practical and symbolic world of Aztec weaponry and armor. We trace the journey of a young Mexica man from the telpochcalli to the battlefield, examining the cotton ichcahuipilli that could turn aside obsidian-edged swords, the macuahuitl that left wounds Europeans found horrifying, and the tepoztopilli that gave Aztec spearmen reach. We look at how the state equipped its warriors, the role of the cuāuhtli and ocēlōtl elite orders…
The Aztec Kitchen: Maize, Maguey and Daily Meals
In this episode, Lucas and Luna step into the kitchens of Tenochtitlan to explore the everyday foods that powered the Aztec Empire. From the sacred triad of maize, beans, and squash to the versatile maguey plant that gave them pulque, paper, and needles, they trace how a complex civilization fed itself without large domesticated animals. They discuss the nixtamalization process that made corn nutritious, the role of amaranth in both diet and ritual, and the vibrant markets of Tlatelolco where…
Chocolate: The Aztec Obsession Behind the Empire
In Episode 190, Lucas and Luna explore the unexpected heart of Aztec luxury: cacao. From the frothy, spiced drink enjoyed by emperors to the beans that served as currency, chocolate was more than a treat—it shaped trade, religion, and social order. Discover how the Maya first cultivated cacao, how the Aztecs adopted it, and why it was reserved for the elite, warriors, and sacrificial victims. Learn about the cacao god Ek Chuah, the tribute demands that brought beans from distant lands, and the…
The Floating Gardens of Tenochtitlan: Chinampas
In this episode of The Aztec Empire, Lucas and Luna explore the ingenious chinampas, the floating gardens that fed Tenochtitlan. They trace how the Aztecs transformed the swampy lakebed of Lake Texcoco into a network of fertile artificial islands, using woven reeds, mud, and willow trees. The conversation covers the engineering behind chinampas, the crops grown—maize, beans, squash, amaranth, chilies, and tomatoes—and the sophisticated water management involving canals and aqueducts. They…
The Aztec Ball Game: Sport, Ritual, and Cosmic Stakes
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Mesoamerican ball game, the ullamaliztli, beyond the common myths of human sacrifice. They discuss the game's ancient origins, its deep ties to Aztec cosmology, and the high-stakes matches played in Tenochtitlan. The conversation covers the players' gear, the brutal rubber ball, and the possible meanings of the game, from fertility rituals to political theater. Drawing on sources like Codex Mendoza and Florentine Codex, they also touch on the game's…
Aztec Eagle and Jaguar Warriors: Elite Shock Troops
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into the world of the Aztec eagle and jaguar warriors, the elite shock troops of the Triple Alliance. They explore how these fearsome fighters were selected, trained, and equipped, from the telpochcalli and calmecac schools to the battlefield rites that earned them their titles. The conversation covers the symbolism of the eagle and jaguar, the regiments' role in Aztec warfare and expansion, and their ultimate fate during the Spanish conquest, including…
Aztec Justice: Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law
Beyond human sacrifice, the Aztec world ran on a complex legal system that governed everything from theft to treason. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the courts of Tenochtitlan, the role of the cihuacoatl as chief judge, and the brutal yet carefully calibrated punishments—from execution to the loss of noble status. Drawing on the Florentine Codex and the Codex Mendoza, we look at how Aztec law shaped daily life, protected the vulnerable, and maintained order in an empire of millions. We…
The Tlaxcalans: Allies Who Conquered the Aztecs
The Aztec Empire fell not just to Spanish steel and disease, but to an army of native allies who hated their overlords. This episode tells the story of Tlaxcala, the fiercely independent republic that resisted Aztec domination for decades—and then allied with Hernán Cortés to bring down Tenochtitlan. We explore the political landscape of pre-conquest Mesoamerica, the leadership of the four lords of Tlaxcala, the internal debate between Xicotencatl the Younger and his father, and the crucial…
Aztec Creation The Five Suns and Cosmic Cycles
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive deep into the Aztec creation myth of the Five Suns—the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction that shaped the Aztec worldview. They explore the four previous worlds ruled by Tezcatlipoca, Quetzalcoatl, Tlaloc, and Chalchiuhtlicue, and their cataclysmic ends. Then they turn to the Fifth Sun, Tonatiuh, and its precarious existence sustained by human sacrifice. Along the way, they reference the Aztec Calendar Stone (Piedra del Sol) as a map of these eras…
The Year-Long God: Toxcatl and Aztec Human Sacrifice
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore one of the most dramatic rituals of the Aztec empire: the Toxcatl festival dedicated to Tezcatlipoca. For a full year, a captive chosen to embody the god lived in luxury, surrounded by companions and honor—until the final day, when his heart was offered atop the Templo Mayor. We walk through the selection, the impersonator's life, and the theological meaning behind this act of divine reciprocity. Drawing on the Florentine Codex and Bernardino de Sahagún's…
The Aztec Tribute System: Feeding an Empire
In Episode 182 of The Aztec Empire, Lucas and Luna dive into the unseen engine that sustained Tenochtitlan: the tribute system. They explore how conquered provinces paid in everything from jade and quetzal feathers to maize and cotton, and how the calpixqui—the emperor's tax collectors—kept the flow steady. Drawing on the Matrícula de Tributos and the Codex Mendoza, they trace specific goods from Xoconochco, Tochtepec, and other provinces, revealing the scale of the empire's wealth…
Aztec Flower and Song: The Philosophy of Poetry
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Aztec poetic tradition known as 'flower and song' (in xochitl in cuicatl). They discuss how Aztec philosophers and poets used metaphor to express the fleeting nature of life, the search for truth, and the role of art in connecting with the divine. Learn about the tlamatinime (wise ones) like Nezahualcoyotl and the surviving poems in the Cantares Mexicanos manuscript. This episode reveals a softer, more contemplative side of Aztec civilization often…
Aztec Education: Schools of the Calmecac and Telpochcalli
In this episode of The Aztec Empire, Lucas and Luna take you inside the classrooms of Tenochtitlan to explore the two pillars of Aztec education: the telpochcalli and the calmecac. Commoner boys trained for war and labor in the telpochcalli, while noble youths—and a few gifted commoners—studied astronomy, law, rhetoric, and religion at the calmecac under the austere tlamacazqui priests. Discover the rigid discipline, the tecpillahtolli or noble speech, and the surprising avenues for social…
The Templo Mayor: Aztec Heart of the Universe
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Templo Mayor, the sacred pyramid that stood at the center of Tenochtitlan and the Aztec universe. They discuss its dual temples to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, the four stages of reconstruction, and the remarkable Coyolxauhqui stone discovered in 1978. Along the way, they examine how the temple functioned as a cosmic axis, a stage for ritual sacrifice, and a symbol of imperial power. Learn about the offerings buried within—jaguar skeletons, coral, and…
Mictlan: The Aztec Journey Through the Underworld
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Aztec concept of the afterlife, focusing on Mictlan, the underworld ruled by Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl. They discuss the nine levels a soul must traverse after death, the different afterlives for warriors (Tonatiuhichan), women who died in childbirth (Cihuatlampa), and those who died by water (Tlalocan). The journey takes four years and involves challenges like crossing obsidian blades and facing a jaguar. Lucas explains how Aztec death…
Aztec Sacred Year: 18 Festivals of Blood and Renewal
The Aztec calendar was far more than a method of counting days. It was a sacred rhythm that governed every aspect of life—agriculture, warfare, religion, and kingship. In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into the 18 veintena, the monthly festivals that structured the Aztec year. They explore the brutal yet reverent rituals of Tlacaxipehualiztli, where captives were flayed in honor of Xipe Totec; the rain-bringing sacrifices of Atlcahualo to Tlaloc; the sweeping purification of Ochpaniztli for…
Nezahualcoyotl: The Poet-King of Texcoco
In this episode of The Aztec Empire, Lucas and Luna explore the life and legacy of Nezahualcoyotl (1402–1472), the philosopher-king of Texcoco. A key ally of Tenochtitlan and a brilliant poet, engineer, and lawgiver, Nezahualcoyotl defied the bloodthirsty stereotype of Aztec rulers. We dive into his exile under Tezozomoc, his strategic alliance with Tlacaelel, his construction of the famous aqueduct and botanical gardens, and his controversial temple to an unknown god—Tloque Nahuaque. Discover…
The Aztec New Fire Ceremony: Cosmic Renewal Every 52 Years
Every 52 years, the Aztec world held its breath. All fires were extinguished, households swept clean, and priests climbed the Hill of the Star — Huixachtlan — to watch for the Pleiades crossing the zenith. If the stars failed to move, the cosmos would end. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the xiuhmolpilli, the New Fire ceremony that renewed the 52-year calendar cycle. They trace its origins to the Toltec and Teotihuacan past, describe the tense vigil atop the volcano, and examine the…
Moctezuma II: The Emperor Who Lost an Empire
Moctezuma Xocoyotzin is one of history's most controversial figures—a powerful emperor who ruled the largest empire in Mesoamerica, only to be remembered as the one who lost it all. In this episode, Lucas and Luna cut through the Spanish chronicles to explore Moctezuma's reign before the conquistadors arrived. They discuss his military campaigns, his religious reforms, the omens that supposedly foretold disaster, and the complex political calculations he made when Cortés appeared. How did a man…
The Fall of Tzintzuntzan: Aztec vs Tarascan Empire
In this episode of The Aztec Empire: Power, Sacrifice, and Sudden Destruction, Lucas and Luna explore the never-completed war between the Aztec Triple Alliance and the Tarascan Empire of Michoacán. They focus on the decisive battle at the border fortress of Oztuma in the 1470s, where the Aztec emperor Axayacatl faced the Tarascan cazonci Tzitzipandáquare. Lucas explains the Tarascan advantage in bronze and copper weapons, the strategic importance of the salt and obsidian trades, and how the…
The Aztec Flower Wars: Ritual Combat or Imperial Strategy
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Aztec Flower Wars — the Xochiyaoyotl — a unique form of ritualized combat that has fascinated and puzzled historians for centuries. Were these wars truly fought to capture sacrificial victims, as Spanish chroniclers claimed, or were they a calculated imperial strategy for weakening rival states like Tlaxcala and Huexotzinco? Drawing on the Florentine Codex, the writings of Diego Durán, and modern scholarship, Lucas unpacks the origins of the Flower…
The Tlacaelel: Aztec Empire's Architect of War and Faith
This episode pulls back the curtain on Tlacaelel, the formidable cihuacoatl who reshaped the Aztec Empire from behind the throne. While his nephews and grandnephews wore the turquoise diadem as huey tlatoani, Tlacaelel was the mastermind who burned old books, reinvented history, and forged the imperial ideology of human sacrifice on an unprecedented scale. We trace his manipulation of the burning of ancient codices at Texcoco, his promotion of the myth that the Aztecs were chosen by…
The Aztec Healer: Tlazolteotl and the Medicine of Empire
Lucas and Luna explore the role of Tlazolteotl, the Aztec goddess of filth, purification, and healing, and how her cult intertwined medicine, confession, and morality in Tenochtitlan. They discuss the ticitl (healers), the use of herbs like cempoalxochitl and peyotl, the temazcal sweat baths, and the Florentine Codex accounts of Sahagún. The episode touches on how Aztec medicine combined spiritual and practical treatments, the concept of tlazolli (moral filth), and the controversial practice of…
The Aztec Merchant-Spies Who Transformed the Empire
The pochteca were far more than long-distance traders — they were the eyes, ears, and economic muscle of the Aztec Empire. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how these merchant-spies opened new frontiers, gathered intelligence, and even influenced imperial policy. Drawing on the Florentine Codex and accounts from Bernardino de Sahagún, they trace the pochteca's dangerous journeys to Xoconochco and Tochtepec, their secret role as diplomatic intermediaries, and the privileges — and…
The Pochteca: Aztec Spies and Traders Who Shaped an Empire
The Aztec Empire wasn't just built by warriors and priests. It was held together by a secret weapon—the pochteca, long-distance merchants who doubled as spies and ambassadors. Operating in dangerous territory between the Gulf and the Pacific, these elite traders brought back luxury goods like jaguar pelts, quetzal feathers, and cacao, while gathering intelligence for the huey tlatoani. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the pochteca's rigid hierarchy, their secret courts, their dangerous…
Aztec Food and Farming: The Ingenious Agriculture of an Empire
This episode explores the sophisticated agricultural systems that sustained the Aztec Empire, focusing on the ingenious chinampas (floating gardens) that transformed the lakes of the Valley of Mexico into fertile farmland. Lucas and Luna discuss the cultivation of staple crops like maize, beans, and amaranth, as well as the role of maguey and cacao in Aztec society. They delve into the terracing and irrigation techniques used in the highlands, the tribute system that poured food into…
The Aztec Conquest of the Tarascan Empire: An Unfinished War
The Aztec Triple Alliance conquered most of central Mexico, but one kingdom resisted them at every turn: the Tarascan Empire of Michoacán. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the military and diplomatic clashes between the Mexica and the Purépecha people, focusing on the reign of the Aztec emperor Axayacatl. They examine the failed Aztec invasion around 1478-79, where an estimated 24,000 Aztec warriors faced the Tarascans armed with superior bronze weapons. Lucas details the aftermath: the…
Aztec Jaguar Warriors: Elite Shock Troops of the Empire
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive deep into the world of the Aztec Jaguar Warriors (ocēlōtl), the elite shock troops who served as the empire's most formidable military force. They explore the rigorous training these warriors underwent at the telpochcalli and calmecac, the elaborate rituals and ceremonies that marked their initiation, and the distinctive jaguar-skin suits and weapons—including the deadly macuahuitl—that made them fearsome on the battlefield. The conversation covers how…
Aztec Eagle Warriors: Elite Shock Troops of the Empire
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Eagle Warriors (cuāuhtli), one of the two elite military societies of the Aztec Empire alongside the Jaguar Warriors (ocēlōtl). They discuss the rigorous training required to earn this rank, the distinctive feathered regalia and armor, and the privileges and responsibilities that came with membership. The conversation covers the role of Eagle Warriors in major campaigns, including the conquest of Chalco and the wars against the Tarascans, as well as…
Aztec Justice: Laws, Courts, and Punishment in Tenochtitlan
In this episode of The Aztec Empire: Power, Sacrifice, and Sudden Destruction, we explore the sophisticated legal system of the Mexica. Lucas and Luna delve into the role of the tecpillahtolli, the formal rhetoric used in court, and how the huey tlatoani served as the supreme judge. They discuss the harsh penalties for theft, adultery, and drunkenness, including death by stoning or garroting. The episode examines the division between the pipiltin (nobility) and macehualtin (commoners) under the…
The Aztec Obsidian Trade: Blades, Blood, and Empire
Obsidian was the backbone of the Aztec economy and warfare—a volcanic glass sharper than steel. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how the Aztecs mined, traded, and weaponized obsidian from sources like Pachuca and Ucareo. They follow the pochteca merchants who transported massive blocks across the empire, the crafters who pressure-flaked razor-edged macuahuitl swords, and the ritual uses of obsidian knives in heart sacrifice at the Templo Mayor. The discussion touches on the economics of…
The Maguey Plant: Aztec Sustenance and Sacrament
Lucas and Luna explore the maguey plant (Agave americana), the unsung foundation of Aztec life. From the fermented drink octli (pulque) to paper, thread, and roofing, maguey was the empire's most versatile resource. The episode dives into its sacred role in rituals dedicated to the goddess Mayahuel, its regulation in the Triple Alliance's sumptuary laws that restricted octli to the elderly and pregnant women, and how its widespread cultivation solved ecological challenges in the Valley of…
Aztec Floating Gardens: The Chinampas That Fed an Empire
Long before Tenochtitlan fell, its farmers turned swamp into soil. The chinampas — artificial islands built in the shallow lakes of the Valley of Mexico — were among the most productive agricultural systems in history. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how the Aztecs constructed these 'floating gardens,' what they grew, and how they sustained a city of over 200,000 people. They discuss the role of the chinampa in Aztec economy, the engineering behind drainage and irrigation, and the…
The Aztec Tizoc Stone and the Emperor Nobody Remembers
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the brief and controversial reign of Tizoc, the seventh Huey Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, who ruled from 1481 to 1486. Known for his military failures and his mysterious death—possibly by poison—Tizoc left behind one of the most enigmatic monuments of the Aztec world: the Stone of Tizoc, a massive carved disk depicting his conquests. But recent scholarship suggests the stone may have been a propaganda tool, exaggerating his victories.…
The Aztec Tlatocan: Counsel at the Summit of Empire
This episode of The Aztec Empire series shifts focus from the well-known huey tlatoani to the council that helped govern: the Tlatocan. Lucas and Luna explore how this body of four high-ranking nobles—drawn from the pipiltin—advised the emperor, selected his successor, and managed disputes among the calpulli. Drawing on the Florentine Codex and records from the early colonial period, they discuss the Tlatocan's role in balancing the power of the tlatoani, its composition under Moctezuma II, and…
The Aztec Conquest of Chalco: A War of Forty Years
In the reign of Moctezuma Ilhuicamina, the Aztec Empire faced its most stubborn enemy: the Chalco confederation. For four decades, the Chalca held out against Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan, fighting a bitter war that would reshape the Valley of Mexico. This episode follows the campaigns, the shifting alliances, the ritual sacrifices on Mount Tlaloc, and the final siege that brought Chalco into the Triple Alliance. Along the way, we examine the Xochiyaoyotl—the Flower War—as a real…
The Aztec Calendar: Keeping Time in Tenochtitlan
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the intricate calendars of the Aztec world. Lucas explains the two interlocking cycles: the 260-day tonalpohualli for divination and the 365-day xiuhpohualli for agriculture and ritual. He describes how priests used the calendar to determine auspicious days for planting, warfare, and ceremonies like the New Fire. The discussion covers the calendar stone, the role of the tonalamatl (ritual books), and how the Spanish disrupted timekeeping after the…
Templo Mayor: The Sacred Heart of Tenochtitlan
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Templo Mayor, the great pyramid at the center of Tenochtitlan that was the religious and political heart of the Aztec Empire. They discuss its twin temples dedicated to Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, the layers of construction over time, and the massive offerings buried within. Learn about the 1978 discovery of the Coyolxauhqui monolith that sparked one of Mexico City's most important archaeological projects, and what the temple tells us about Aztec…
Aztec Childhood: Education and Discipline in the Calmecac and Telpochcalli
This episode of The Aztec Empire: Power, Sacrifice, and Sudden Destruction explores the upbringing of Aztec children, from birth rituals to the rigorous education systems of the calmecac and telpochcalli. Lucas and Luna discuss how boys and girls were trained for different roles in society, the harsh discipline that included spiking with maguey thorns, and the moral philosophy behind Aztec child-rearing. They also touch on the role of the state in shaping loyal citizens and the contrast between…
The Siege of Tenochtitlan and the Emperor Who Fought to the End
In 1521, the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan fell after a brutal three-month siege. But the city's resistance was led by a young emperor, Cuauhtémoc, who refused to surrender even as disease and starvation ravaged his people. This episode follows the final days of the Aztec Empire, from the Spanish-Tlaxcalan advance across the causeways to the desperate defense of Tlatelolco's marketplace. We examine Cuauhtémoc's capture, his defiance before Cortés, and the enduring debate over whether he was…
Aztec Child Naming Rituals and the Power of a Name
In Tenochtitlan, a name was more than a label—it was a destiny. This episode explores the intricate Aztec naming ceremonies, from the astrologer-priests who read the tonalpohualli to determine a child's fate, to the symbolic act of naming after a warrior ancestor. We delve into how commoners and nobles named differently, what happened when a name foretold a bad omen, and the rare practice of renaming later in life. Discover the connection between names and the calendar, the significance of the…
The Aztec Women Who Weaved the Empire Together
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the overlooked world of Aztec women — not just as wives and mothers, but as weavers, merchants, healers, and keepers of the sacred. They discuss the role of the cihuatl (woman) in Aztec society, from the macehualtin class to the noble pipiltin. Learn about the telpochcalli and calmecac for girls, the goddess Toci (Tlazolteotl) as patron of weavers, and the pivotal role of women in the economy — selling textiles and pottery in the market of Tlatelolco. The…
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