Gone Medieval: Aztecs
Episode Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host: Matt Lewis & Dr. Eleanor Jaenega
Guest: Professor Camilla Townsend, Rutgers University

Introduction

In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega delve into the rich and complex history of the Aztecs, aiming to unravel the misconceptions and provide a nuanced understanding of the Mexica people. Professor Camilla Townsend, the author of Fifth: A New History of the Aztecs, joins the conversation to shed light on the authentic voices of the Aztecs and challenge the Eurocentric narratives that have long dominated their historical portrayal.

The Terminology: Aztecs vs. Mexica

Key Discussion Points:

• Misnaming the Mexica: Professor Townsend emphasizes that "Aztec" is a misnomer, a term coined by European scholars in the 18th and 19th centuries, rather than what the Mexica called themselves.

• Origin of 'Aztec': The name derives from "Aztlan," referring to the mythical homeland, and was used to describe the Mexica ancestors, not the Mexica people themselves.

Notable Quotes:

• "No people ever called themselves Aztecs. That word was made up by European scholars..." [03:34]

• "We walk the balance between accuracy and getting on with it." [05:12]

Sources of Aztec History and Their Limitations

Key Discussion Points:

• European Bias: Traditional Aztec history is primarily derived from Spanish sources, which were inherently biased to justify conquest by portraying the Mexica as barbaric.

• Archaeological Challenges: Limited archaeological excavations, mainly around the Templo Mayor, have skewed understanding to focus on religious aspects like human sacrifices, neglecting everyday life.

• Emerging Nahuatl Sources: Recent scholarship leveraging Nahuatl-language sources offers a more balanced and comprehensive view of Aztec society, revealing complexities beyond European accounts.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Spaniards were understandably very motivated to paint the Aztecs... as being profoundly evil." [05:00]

• "It's a long story how that happened and how they had known." [09:11]

Rise and Consolidation of Aztec Power

Key Discussion Points:

• Migration and Settlement: The Mexica migrated from the southwestern United States to central Mexico, capitalizing on the power vacuum following the collapse of Teotihuacan.

• Political Strategies: Through intermarriage, strategic alliances, and astute political maneuvering, the Mexica established dominance despite being latecomers.

• Geographical Advantage: Tenochtitlan's location on an island in Lake Texcoco facilitated control over trade routes, solidifying their supremacy.

Notable Quotes:

• "They were very good at using intermarriage... so they could ally with different groups." [17:26]

• "Their greatest advantage is that they were located on an island in the middle of a great lake." [16:00]

Daily Life in Tenochtitlan

Key Discussion Points:

• Urban Sophistication: Tenochtitlan was a bustling metropolis with organized markets, diverse trades, and structured households centered around patios and adobe rooms.

• Social Structure: Every Mexica male was an artisan and warrior, trained from teenage years to contribute to both economic and military endeavors.

• Cultural Flourishing: The city boasted vibrant cultural practices, including poetry, storytelling, and communal activities that fostered a strong sense of community.

Notable Quotes:

• "They had a market that went on for a couple of miles that was highly organized..." [22:41]

• "It was very urban, even by modern standards of how we define urban." [26:26]

Aztec Religion and Cosmology

Key Discussion Points:

• Divine Cosmos: The Mexica viewed the cosmos as a living, ever-changing entity that demanded appreciation and participation.

• Human Sacrifice: Initially, occasional sacrifices honored the gods and reinforced social cohesion, but over time, they evolved into political tools for maintaining power.

• Cultural Contradictions: While religious texts reveal a desire to preserve life and appreciate beauty, political necessities led to increased violence and sacrifice.

Notable Quotes:

• "Love those people in your lives... because this is heaven." [33:17]

• "They didn't develop it into a terror tactic in a political sense, until towards the end." [12:44]

Spanish Conquest: Myth vs. Reality

Key Discussion Points:

• Gradual Overthrow: Contrary to the depiction of a swift, cataclysmic conquest, Professor Townsend argues that indigenous life persisted beyond the arrival of the Spaniards, with significant cultural and social continuities.

• Collaboration and Resistance: While some indigenous groups allied with the Spaniards, often due to existing tensions and strategic calculations, widespread coordinated resistance was limited.

• Long-Term Impact: The Spanish imposed political and economic changes, but the Mexica people adapted, preserving aspects of their culture and language amidst colonization.

Notable Quotes:

• "My book places the conquest... in the middle, not the beginning, not the end..." [39:00]

• "Life does go on. And the arrival of the Spaniards... did not cause all people to just change their religion." [40:00]

Utilizing Nahuatl Sources for a Balanced History

Key Discussion Points:

• Rediscovering Indigenous Voices: Nahuatl sources, written using the Roman alphabet introduced by the Spaniards, provide authentic insights into Mexica thoughts, humor, and daily life, free from European biases.

• Cultural Preservation: These sources reflect the Mexica's efforts to preserve their history, language, and traditions, acting as a form of cultural resistance against erasure.

• Comprehensive Understanding: By incorporating Nahuatl narratives, historians can achieve a more holistic and accurate representation of Aztec society.

Notable Quotes:

• "These Nahuatl sources are full of jokes. And of course, we don't think of the Aztecs as people who are funny guys." [51:54]

• "They used tools that they learned from the Old World... to preserve what you're trying to erase." [49:57]

Conclusion: Rehumanizing the Mexica

Professor Townsend underscores the importance of moving beyond the demonized image of the Aztecs to recognize their humanity, cultural richness, and adaptability. By engaging with indigenous sources and challenging entrenched Eurocentric narratives, historians can foster a deeper and more respectful understanding of the Mexica people.

Final Thought:

"If there was one thing I would like to leave your listeners with, it would be that the Aztecs loved a good joke just as much as anybody else." [51:54]

Episode Takeaways:

• Terminological Accuracy: Understanding the distinction between "Aztecs" and "Mexica" is crucial for accurate historical representation.

• Source Critique: Acknowledging the biases in traditional sources opens avenues for a more balanced historical narrative.

• Cultural Complexity: The Mexica society was multifaceted, exhibiting both cultural vibrancy and political violence, shaped by internal and external pressures.

• Resilient Heritage: Despite the Spanish conquest, indigenous traditions, language, and cultural practices endured, highlighting the resilience of the Mexica people.

For a deeper exploration of the Aztecs and their intricate history, Professor Camilla Townsend's Fifth: A New History of the Aztecs is highly recommended. Join Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega for more enlightening discussions on Gone Medieval as they continue to unveil the untold stories of the Middle Ages.