The Philippines was a significant territory for Spanish conquistadors in 1521, who encountered the heavily tattooed local people, known as “Pintados” or the Painted Ones. This article explores the early modern encounter between Spanish colonizers and the Visayans, tattooed indigenous people of the Philippines. Skin has been a marker of human identity since the Spanish arrived in 1521. However, with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, tattooing was suppressed and eventually disappeared. The Spanish saw it as a barbaric practice and forced the Aztecs to abandon it.
The Mayas, who had tattoos as a way to display courage and worship their idols, were first encountered by Spanish conquistadors like Hernán Cortés. Through the analysis of tattooed remains, researchers have been able to identify specific Aztec tattoo designs and patterns. Spanish conquistador armor, mostly made in Toledo, was among the finest in the world.
Spanish conquistadors used Native Americans as laborers/slaves, not intending to kill them all but working their newly obtained silver mines and plantations. However, a large percentage of Native Americans had tattoos.
Tattooing has been practiced across the globe since at least Neolithic times, as evidenced by mummified preserved skin, ancient art, and archaeological studies. Scholars believe that these tattoos may have served as medicinal, spiritual, or fertility aids. Early Spanish conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Marco Polo wrote of Asian artisans receiving people from all over the world to get tattooed.
When Spaniards and missionaries began to interact with the natives, it was discovered that many of the tattoos told tales of greatness on the field. Paleopathological studies of Chimú mummies indicate that the practice of tattooing was quite common among both males and females.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| How common are tattoos among Spaniards? | Spaniards have less tattoos than most Europeans, especially than the British, young Brits are out of their minds with tattoos. | quora.com |
| Jibaro: Is the Conquistador protagonist meant to be local … | The nose ring and facial tattoos on the protagonist suggest he’s in fact not born Spanish. Is the story trying to make a point about a local man that has … | reddit.com |
| Aztec and Mayan Tattoos – Speakeasy Tattoo | When it comes to Mayan tattoos, most of the historical accounts of their tattoo customs come from Spanish colonists, but through Mayan art, … | speakeasytattoo.com |
📹 Joe Rogan Talks About the Aztecs with Josh Homme
Taken from JRE #1387 w/Josh Homme: https://youtu.be/XPf0swdYOxI.
Are All Mexicans Descendants Of Aztecs?
It's essential to recognize that the majority of indigenous peoples in Mexico were not Aztecs. The tenets of "Aztec" can be extended to all Nahuatl-speaking groups, yet they represent just one of the many diverse indigenous cultures found in Mexico. To clarify, Mexicans are typically not Aztecs in the strict sense; however, modern Nahua (often referred to as Aztecs) are indeed part of the Mexican populace. Most Mexicans have predominantly indigenous ancestry, stemming from various indigenous groups across the country.
The Aztecs, alongside other Nahuatl-speaking peoples, are classified under the Uto-Aztecan Linguistic Group, which is present in regions of both western Mexico and the western U. S. The Aztec Empire, known as the Triple Alliance, was formed by three Nahua city-states: Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan, which held dominion over considerable parts of Mesoamerica. The term "Aztec" emerged from several factors, including their origin myth of Aztlán, the amalgamation of Nahua peoples, and the evolving distinction between ancient Mexicans and modern Mexicans.
The name "Aztec" can carry some negative connotations, having referred to the elite rulers over the Mexica, who, according to some indigenous traditions, mistreated other classes. Current understanding of Aztec history primarily derives from archaeological findings, indigenous accounts, and documentation by Spanish conquerors. After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Spanish authorities collaborated with local rulers and scholars to document the culture.
Today, descendants of the Aztecs are referred to as Nahua, with approximately 1. 5 million living in rural areas, often engaged in agriculture. Mexicans consist of a blend of Spanish and around 156 native American ethno-linguistic groups that encompass over 300 distinct languages and cultures. Although Aztecs were a considerable part of the indigenous population, they did not comprise the majority.
Consequently, while many Mexicans can trace their lineage back to the Aztecs or other tribal groups like the Mayans, most are Mestizo. Thus, it is accurate to state that while modern Nahua are descendants of the Aztecs, Mexicans as a whole stem from a rich tapestry of indigenous backgrounds combined with Spanish heritage.
Did Spanish Colonizers And Visayans Have Tattoos?
This article delves into the early modern interactions between Spanish colonizers and the Visayans, an indigenous group from the Philippines known for their extensive tattooing practices. Tattooing was prevalent among the Visayans and other pre-colonial ethnic groups in the Philippines, reflecting cultural identifiers of the time. The term "Los Pintados," meaning "The Painted Ones," was coined by the Spanish to highlight the tattoos of the Visayans. Accounts from Antonio Pigafetta, who sailed with Magellan in 1521, frequently remark on the tattooed appearance of the Visayans.
Spanish colonization in the 16th century had lasting impacts on Filipino culture, particularly on tattooing traditions, which predominantly dissipated as Christianity was introduced. The Jesuit priest Pedro Chirino observed and documented the tattooing practices of the Visayans in 1604, noting that these traditions were not enforced but rather part of the indigenous identity. However, as colonization progressed, many groups, including the Tagalog and Moro people, lost their tattooing practices.
Despite their historical significance, tattooed Visayans are often romanticized in scholarly work, frequently associated with warriorship and male valor. This perspective minimizes the rich cultural narratives surrounding these tattoos. The article emphasizes that while the Visayans were heavily tattooed at the time of Spanish contact, similar tattooing practices were also observed among the Bicolano people in regions such as Albay, Camarines, and Catanduanes.
The continuity of tattooing in the Philippines can be traced back thousands of years, with some of the oldest tattooing tools, made from bone, dating nearly 4000 years. However, the majority of these traditions waned in the wake of Spanish colonial influence and the spread of Christianity. The colonizers’ approach involved erasing and replacing indigenous practices, leading to the decline of historical tattooing traditions among various ethnic groups.
In examining this intersection of Spanish colonization and indigenous tattooing, the article sheds light on the complexities of cultural identity and the sociopolitical dynamics of colonized societies.
Are Tattoos Still A Thing In The Philippines?
Seattle: University of Washington Press. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Philippines in 1521, they encountered local populations heavily adorned with tattoos, whom they referred to as "Pintados" or the Painted Ones. Over the following five centuries, traditional tattooing in the Philippines has faced near extinction. Although there are no specific laws regulating tattooing in the Philippines, most tattoo parlors adhere to safety guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH).
Potential customers should be cautious if a shop permits clients under a certain age. Filipino tattooing has evolved to blend traditional methods with contemporary practices. Current artists are celebrated for integrating indigenous designs with modern aesthetics, resulting in tattoos that carry significant cultural meaning.
Historical accounts, such as Teodoro Agoncillo's "Introduction to Philippine History," describe how Spanish explorers encountered native individuals with tattoos crafted from black ink. In northern regions, the Kalinga, Bontoc, and Ifugao tribes continue to practice traditional tattoo rituals known as "pagbabatuk," primarily visible among warriors and headhunters. Tattoos, known as batok, have long symbolized accomplishments, social rank, and beauty within Filipino culture, with men receiving tattoos for battle achievements.
The social aversion to tattoos diminished during the 1990s, thanks to the influence of celebrity endorsements. In urban areas, there has been a revival of interest in tattoos, marrying traditional Filipino artistry with modern styles. Despite historical links to criminality, tattoos have become widely accepted and popular, bridging connections among the Filipino diaspora and beyond. While many contemporary tattooists employ electric machines, some still honor traditional hand-tapping methods.
However, societal perceptions linger, with tattoos often still associated with ex-convicts. In contrast to Japan's strict corporate attitudes toward tattoos, Filipino culture generally exhibits a more inclusive stance towards body art. The blog highlights how Manobo tattooing and marriage customs are means of coping with life's uncertainties. It raises concerns about societal judgments based on physical appearance, indicating that tattoos remain a contentious issue, particularly in employment contexts, further underscoring the complex dynamics surrounding tattooing in modern Filipino society.
What Eye Color Do Spaniards Have?
En un estudio sobre 221 fotografías, se determinó que el 55. 2% de los sujetos españoles tienen ojos color avellana. Este color de ojos es común en Europa, especialmente en los Países Bajos y el Reino Unido, y también es frecuente en las poblaciones de habla sasón del norte de Alemania. La mayoría de los españoles presentan piel clara a aceitunada, cabello de castaño claro a oscuro y ojos marrones. Sin embargo, también es habitual encontrar españoles con cabello rubio o pelirrojo, ojos azules o verdes y piel pálida, resultado de la diversidad genética e interacciones históricas.
En cuanto a las características faciales, los españoles generalmente tienen cabello castaño y ojos marrones o oscuros, aunque hay casos de cabello rubio o ojos azules/ verdes. En la distribución del color de iris en España, el 16. 3% tiene ojos azul-gris, el 55. 2% verde-avellana y el 28. 5% marrones. Existe un estereotipo de que los españoles tienen ojos y cabello oscuros, pero esto no refleja la realidad, ya que no se juzga la procedencia únicamente por el color del cabello o de los ojos.
Se estima que el 18% de la población estadounidense y el 5% de la población mundial tienen ojos avellana. Además, un análisis genético sugiere que los ojos azules pudieron haber evolucionado antes que el cabello rubio y la piel pálida. En zonas de España como Alicante, es posible hallar una notable predominancia de ojos verdes entre la población.
Did Mexican Natives Have Tattoos?
For the Aztec civilization, art, particularly tattooing, held significant cultural importance. Known for their elaborate designs depicting religious and mythical symbols, Aztec tattoos served as marks of distinction across social classes. Indigenous cultures in Alaska and Canada also practiced facial tattooing, a tradition that persisted for thousands of years before facing prohibition. A variety of cultures—including Ancient Siberian nomads, Indigenous Polynesians, Nubians, Native South Americans, and Greeks—utilized tattoos for reasons such as protection from evil, love declarations, and status signaling. In the Aztec Empire, body modification, including tattooing, was integral to rituals and ceremonial practices and marked transitions between life stages.
The Law of Linguistic Rights acknowledges 62 Indigenous languages as national languages in Mexico, holding equal validity to Spanish. However, according to the National Institute of Statistics, only 6. 7% of the population speaks an Indigenous language. This indicates a concerning decline in the use of native languages. In an effort to revive Indigenous traditions believed to be nearly lost, tattoo artist Dion Kaszas has taken personal initiatives to bring back ancestral practices. This has inspired many Tribal members to embrace tattoo designs passed down through generations, some of which were fading from memory as the tradition waned.
Historical records indicate that ancient Mexicans adorned their bodies with various tattoo designs featuring animals like eagles, tigers, and serpents. Notably, different Indigenous groups worldwide have traditional facial tattoos, with Māori having Tā Moko and Inuit sporting Kakiniit, while Gwich’in tattoos are characterized by their distinct patterns. In recent discussions, cultural appropriation has been emphasized, notably concerning public figures like Justin Trudeau revealing tattoo styles rooted in Indigenous cultures.
Mexican tattoo artists increasingly strive to revive the art forms practiced by their ancestors, contributing to the ongoing cultural narrative. Ultimately, the legacy of tattooing in Mexico can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where tattoos were imbued with deep spiritual and social meanings, serving various ceremonial and societal functions.
Did Spaniards Have Tattoos?
La cultura del tatuaje en España ha experimentado una notable transformación a lo largo de los siglos. Antiguamente, los tatuajes eran considerados no naturales y no sagrados, un estigma asociado a la esclavitud y las clases sociales más bajas. Sin embargo, esta percepción ha cambiado. En tiempos modernos, los soldados pueden tener tatuajes, salvo en cuello, manos y cara, aunque se permiten algunas excepciones.
Actualmente, los tatuajes son parte de la autoexpresión y el arte en la vida cotidiana española. A medida que la cultura del tatuaje ha ido evolucionando, ha surgido una mezcla intrigante de diseños tradicionales y tendencias modernas.
Recientemente, la popularidad de los tatuajes ha crecido entre los jóvenes de 18 a 35 años, con Estadísticas que indican que uno de cada tres españoles en este grupo de edad posee uno. Esta tendencia refleja un cambio cultural donde los tatuajes ya no se ven exclusivamente como una marca de rebelión o criminalidad, sino como una forma de storytelling personal. La influencia de figuras mediáticas, especialmente en el ámbito deportivo, ha contribuido significativamente a esta normalización cultural. A diferencia de muchos países europeos, donde el tatuaje es más común, en España la adopción ha sido más reciente y se observa principalmente entre las generaciones más jóvenes.
Las tradiciones de tatuaje han estado presentes en diversas culturas a través de la historia, desde los indígenas polinesios hasta los héroes guerreros de las Filipinas, y su propósito abarcaba desde la protección contra el mal hasta la declaración del amor y el estatus social. En este contexto global, España ha destacado por su talento artístico en el campo del tatuaje, siendo Barcelona una de las capitales de los tatuajes, especialmente el blackwork. Los precios de los artistas en esta ciudad oscilan entre 120 y 150 euros por hora y las listas de espera son generalmente largas.
A medida que el estigma disminuye, encuentros culturales y la valoración del arte corporal continúan expandiéndose en España. Aunque las generaciones mayores pueden tener una percepción más conservadora, los jóvenes ven los tatuajes como algo normal, sin importar su tamaño o ubicación, lo que refleja una clara evolución hacia una sociedad más abierta y diversa en relación al arte del tatuaje.
Did Conquistadors Have Tattoos?
Tattoos have long held cultural significance across various societies, although interpretations can vary dramatically. Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Aztecs and Mayans, adorned their bodies with tattooed images of their deities, inherently meaningful to them but potentially alien and misunderstood by outsiders. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, they encountered tattoos for the first time, leading them to view this custom through a foreign lens. Their unfamiliarity sparked misconceptions about the practice, which they deemed barbaric and sought to suppress, particularly among indigenous populations.
The arrival of the Spanish led to the decline of tattooing among tribes like the Aztecs, who were forced to relinquish their traditions. These explorers, known for their roles as conquerors and religious leaders, viewed tattoos as symbols of adventure and conquest. Interestingly, in 1521, conquistadors dubbed the Philippines the "Islands of the Painted Ones," referencing the heavily tattooed locals. However, over time, the practice of tribal tattooing across various cultures, including in the Americas and Polynesia, has dwindled and nearly become extinct.
Despite their own tattooing traditions, which included practices for protection and to denote status, the conquistadors' influence pushed tattooing underground in Europe and North America. Similarly, the indigenous practices in other regions, including among Siberian nomads, Nubians, and Native South Americans, were often overlooked or misinterpreted by European colonizers.
Tattoos, including those among indigenous warriors in the Southwest and Great Plains, served as forms of intimidation and representation of bravery. In many cases, tattoos signified important life transitions or protective symbols against evil spirits. Conquistadors often recorded their observations of tattooing, sometimes framing the narratives of indigenous cultures through their own biased perspectives.
As a complex and evolving form of expression, tattoos remain a reflection of identity and history. While historically linked with specific cultures, such as those of the Inca, tattooing conveys a timeless narrative of exploration, conquest, and cultural misunderstanding—an intricate dance of interpretation between the tattooed and those who view them.
Why Did Spanish Colonists Tattoo?
The practice of tattooing was prevalent among the Visayans, a key focus of the Spanish colonial project in the Philippines. Records from European soldiers, officials, and missionaries illustrated the relentless spread of Christianity, often highlighting Visayan tattoos. Spanish writers attempted to position the tattooed Visayans within the colonial narrative, but these tattoos simultaneously challenged imperial views. Spaniards utilized the images of tattooed bodies to assert cultural superiority and justify colonization, constructing notions of both difference and similarity.
Indigenous peoples of North America, such as the Navajo and Mohawk, have a rich tradition of tattooing that predates European contact by centuries. For these communities, tattoos were more than mere skin markings; they were deeply woven into their cultural fabric, representing identity, familial ties, and connections to the land. As Western colonizers expanded throughout the world in the 1400s and 1500s, they encountered diverse Indigenous cultures whose tattoo practices were often seen as primitive, based on colonial ideology that viewed such markings as barbaric.
The arrival of European conquerors in the 16th century led to attempts to suppress indigenous tattoo traditions in Latin America, with colonizers perceiving tattoos as threats to their cultural order. In the Philippines, the term "Patik," meaning "to strike, mark, or print," was used preconquest, yet Spanish colonists labeled tattooing as pagan. Consequently, these customs waned as Filipinos converted to Christianity.
The Spanish colonists designated the tattooed Cebuano Visayan people as "Pintados." Despite historical accounts being predominantly from colonizers, Filipino Canadian tattoo artists today are reviving pre-colonial tattoo techniques, reconnecting new generations with their ancestral marks amidst a complex history of cultural suppression.
Are Tattoos Ok In Mexico?
Recientemente, el gobierno de México aprobó una ley que exige a los estudios de tatuajes y perforaciones registrarse y cumplir con las normativas de sanidad. Sin embargo, esto no garantiza que todo sea perfecto y que no surjan problemas. Se conocen dos lugares destacados para hacerse tatuajes: uno en Monterrey (¡César es un verdadero artista!) y otro en Coyoacán, Ciudad de México. Es esencial destacar que hacerse un tatuaje en México es completamente legal, siempre y cuando se tenga más de 18 años, lo que se asemeja a la mayoría de los estados de EE. UU. y países a nivel mundial. Las leyes y regulaciones relativas a los tatuajes en México se aplican tanto a los clientes como a los artistas tatuadores.
En la historia reciente, los tatuajes han llevado connotaciones negativas en gran parte del país, y las autoridades se oponen fuertemente a cualquier tatuaje expuesto que pueda considerarse impactante u ofensivo. Muchos adolescentes han sido escuchados al momento de hacerse tatuajes durante sus visitas a México, ya sea con o sin consentimiento parental. Al considerar hacerse un tatuaje en el extranjero, es fundamental investigar las leyes y regulaciones relacionadas. Algunos países tienen normativas más estrictas que otros, por lo cual es importante estar informado.
Los tatuajes aztecas son algunas de las ideas más fascinantes en México, inspirándose en la rica herencia cultural y la historia del país. Los tatuajes en estilo mexicano pueden incluir símbolos indígenas, imágenes católicas o motivos de arte folclórico, y representan una forma poderosa de autoexpresión. Se estima que en México hay alrededor de 12 millones de personas tatuadas; sin embargo, estos a menudo pueden asociarse con comportamientos antisociales, causando reacciones negativas en la comunidad.
Es importante mencionar que, aunque en México no hay problemas fundamentales con los tatuajes, en otros países como Japón, la percepción puede ser diferente y más tabú. En la Ciudad de México, la diversidad de estilos y personas tatuadas es considerable, y no es inusual encontrar personas con tatuajes en diversas localidades. Sin embargo, es aconsejable tener precauciones serias en cuanto a la elección del estudio para evitar riesgos de infecciones o virus transmitidos por la sangre. En general, los tatuajes son una práctica común en muchas ciudades mexicanas, y los estándares de seguridad pueden variar, por lo que es prudente elegir cuidadosamente donde hacerse un tatuaje.
What Is A Spanish Conquistador Tattoo?
This traditional tattoo, prominently displayed on the back, is a potent representation of Spanish heritage, characterized by bold black lines and intricate detailing to highlight the bull's symbolic strength that accompanies the wearer. The Spanish Conquistador tattoo, a tribute to a significant historical period, depicts figures who explored uncharted territories, often showcasing elaborate armor and helmets tied to themes of exploration and conquest. These tattoos resonate with those interested in history, ambition, and human interaction with new worlds.
Spanish bulls symbolize virtues such as masculinity and feminine forces within Spanish culture, and this particular tattoo embodies a unique artistic interpretation of these cultural elements. The artwork features a detailed portrait of a Conquistador, reinforcing the historical importance of this figure through bold lines and shading. Inspiration can be found across platforms like Pinterest, which offers various tattoo concepts, including helmets, swords, and ships, allowing individuals to create personal interpretations reflecting their connection to this rich history.
The scallop shell, a notable symbol found along the Camino de Santiago, represents guidance for travelers on spiritual journeys—an idea that resonates with personal exploration. Numerous tattoo designs highlight elements of both conquest and cultural interplay; for example, depictions of Aztec warriors alongside Spaniards represent the fusion between two cultures and the roots of Mexican heritage.
The Conquistador helmet symbolizes the spirit of conquest, while accompanying designs may incorporate peacock feathers as a metaphor for standing out in a crowd. Such tattoos enrich their meaning through embedded Spanish or Latin phrases. With the rise of platforms like BlackInk, tattoo enthusiasts can craft and download unique designs effortlessly, illustrating the evolving landscape of tattoo artistry influenced by historical themes and cultural heritage. Ultimately, Spanish Conquistador tattoos serve not only as personal emblems but also as reflections of a complex legacy intertwined with adventure and exploration.
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Im from Colombia, and speak Spanish. I went to Cancun 2 years ago and noticed a lot of the locals were speaking a different language I had never heard before. When I finally asked a merchant I bought a necklace from what language was he speaking. He told me “Maya”. I was blown away. Amazing how hundreds (if not thousands) of years later people are still speaking an ancient language.
As a history geek and a Mexican who’s obsessed with his indigenous ancestry, I’ve been dying for Hollywood to make a perfect film on the conquest of Latin America. Mexicos entire history, dating back to pre-conquest, is it’s very own entire series of Game Of Thrones, I shit you not! It’s intense, bloody, corrupt, betrayal, filled with redemption, honorable, remarkable – all in one.
Studying our own Polynesian civilisation has lead us back from the South Pacific Ocean to this land mass and civilisation and people. Our astronomy’s are similar, religious beliefs (our gods before christianity) and we have structures (pyramids) build all our our islands that would have been a mimic of the Aztec structures. Would be awesome to have joe do a take on Polynesia.
Teotihuacan wasn’t built by the Aztecs. It was built a thousand years before the Aztecs migrated to that region. The Aztecs saw it as an ancient mystery they could explain no more than we can, though they did name the site, Teotihuacan. Joe is correct about the thousands of sacrifices – the Aztecs were bloodthirsty in that respect; but that had nothing to do with Teotihuacan.
The Spanish had MASSIVE help from other tribes who HATED the Aztecs and couldn’t wait to get back at them. Cortez was a master politician and had little to do with military skill or ppl thinking he was a God. Other tribes hated the Aztecs. This idea that the Aztecs were benevolent rulers and the Spanish were just that smart or militarily skilled is a myth.
12:16 No, Joe, Mexicans were NOT conquered by the Spaniards…the Aztecs were. Mexicans are the result of Spaniards absorbing and mixing with whatever remnants were left of the indigenous population of Mexico. This happened in the course of three hundred years (1521-1821). In some areas in Mexico, particularly in the South and Southeastern regions of the country, indigenous communities became isolated and kept their language, culture, and traditions to a high degree. In the Central region, the intermarriage between the indigenous people and the Spanish settlers occurred at a much higher rate. In some other areas (i.e. Northern and Western Mexico), there wasn’t that much mixing between Spaniards and indigenous people because there weren’t that many indigenous people to begin with…which is why the European admixture here can go up to 70% or more, on average. Nonetheless, I would like to thank you for at least bringing Mexico and its history up for discussion in your show.
my family owns tons of land around teotiuacan, my mom told me that back in the 80s she went on a trip over there and discovered caves that went underground close to the pyramids, she said that she and her friends went in and found orange/pink pyramids below in the caves and that some of them where upside down. they went back a year later, and the govt locked it up so nobody could go there
I think Aztecs initially, having never seen horses before, believed that an armored man on a horse was one large animal. Perhaps a godlike fusion of man and beast. “Aztec”, a novel by Gary Jennings, is an epic and well-researched historical fiction novel and should be read by anyone interested in Aztec life and culture. That is, as we understand it…
My impulse, if I were in that conversation is to fact check them constantly, because they are saying some VERY wrong things. I’m sure It would blow their minds that Aztecs are originally from the American Southwest, and migrated to the Mexico plains in 500AD. Teotihuacan was finished is 300AD, so it wasn’t built by the Aztecs. But they later found the structure and renamed it Teotihuacan. The Aztec Empire started in the 1400s (Cortez appeared in 1519). Once the Aztecs proved their dominance over a tribe, that tribe has to pay a tribute to them, part of that tribute is sending people to be sacrificed. Aztec were pretty hard core into human sacrifices, compared to other tribes, because in their religion/mythology, Gods fed on human blood, and not giving them sustenance would mean the sun would stop rising and chaos would prevail. As for Spanish Conquistadors: they didn’t fight the Aztecs alone. They had a lot of help from the Tlaxcalans and the Cempoalans who didn’t like the Aztecs. As for the Spanish themselves, they were catholics. In Christianity, there are no human sacrifices (there’s a symbolic one), so for them, the Indians were like devil worshippers because …I mean, you watch any guy getting his heart ripped out of his chest, and you’re going to think “Wow! The people doing this are seriously fucked in the head”.
One thing, Teotihuacan was not built by the Aztecs/Mexicas. By the time they entered the valley of Mexico, Teotihuacan had already been abandoned. Aztecs were nomads, and settled in current day Mexico City. It is believed that the Aztecs were among people that migrated from Arizona and were the modern day Hopi. Other than that, I really recommend everyone go to Teotihuacan and if they’re around Mexico City visit “El Templo Mayor” which was actually built by Aztecs/Mexicas.
There are Aztec writings about their view of seeing the Spanish horses for the first time. I think it was a member of Moctezumas ‘court’ who met Cortes when the Spanish landed. The Aztec describes horses as huge deer. These Aztecs also thought horses were super aggressive because Cortes tricked them with a stallion who was freaking out because he was being restrained. The Aztecs didn’t know there was a mare in heat behind them which is why the stallion was reacting so wildly which they interpreted as aggression. Also South America is divided linguistically as a side effect of a Papal edict dividing South America between Spain and Portugal – Treaty of Tordesillas. EDIT: This comment was targeted at very specific relevant points being discussed in the article. I am aware of the wider history around the Aztecs and the Treaty of Tordesillas. This comment was just an example of a couple of interesting annecdotes about the history of the Americas.
They actually welcome the Spaniards and lived with them for a year the entire time Spaniards were ploting and making alliances with tribes that the Aztecs didn’t approve off. Montezuma was not elected as all the other Emperors before him were. The Emperors had to be high ranking military warriors but Montezuma he was a priest and not an honorable warrior that contributed in big part to the conquista.
Did you know that one of the conquistador commanders wrote down how the Aztecs were one of the most advanced nations that he has ever came across? The Spanish didn’t come and automatically think that they were better, it was by the natives treating the Spanish as gods due to the unique attributes such as the armor and skin and ships, horses etc.
Gorilla is amazing, I meet him back in the early 90s and he show me secrets that no one knows, he has an album with amazing people, rolling stones, a lot of famous people to mention, Rogan I recommend you go am from Mexico city leaving in California since the 90s and every time I go back it amazes me,how rich my culture is….great show!!!
The Mayans and Aztecs were amazing cultures. They were incredibly advanced in many ways., but savage, cruel and primitive in others. Cortes gets villianized, but he was incredibly brave and he was serving his King. But, the Aztecs cruelty to other tribes was part of their demise. Cortes was able to recruit thousands of natives to his cause. The Aztecs enslaved, killed and sacrificed untold thousands of natives. We really can’t judge them using modern standards and ethics.
Apparently, y’all missed some information. Teotihuacan was not built by Aztecs, actually Aztecs people came from north of Mexico and passed through this magnificent place full of amazing temples. After this long journey, they settled in the region that today is located the Mexico City. The Aztecs named it as “When human became Gods”, cuz they were amazed by this gigantic site and they didn’t know nothing about it:”Only divine entities could built it!”. Until today archaeologists have few information about who built Teotihuacan and their culture.
This reminded that the deciphering of the Maya script was delayed for around 100 years just because the “highest authorities” in archaeology did not agree that civilizations outside the “Old World” would come up with sophisticated writing systems. Linguists and Soviet scholars had to come to the rescue.
Aztecs and mesoamerican cultures in general did know the wheel, there’s even remaining examples of wheeled toys. The lack of use in a productive manner could cater to the general topography and maybe even lack of draft animals. Carts and such were maybe not really practical, specially in and around Tenochtitlan.
The acoustic capabilities are fascinating, I wonder in what other ways they applied this knowledge. It’s a fact that water is also invoked in Egypt, directly to the Great Pyramid and the recent void discovered above the grand gallery relates to one theory that says the pyramid was used as an advanced observatory for the stars and originally their was an opening at the top, hence the cap stone almost like a lens cap.
It’s such a weird outlook to assume the worst from Spanish explorers and assume best out of people who were enslaving millions, killing those slaves when the work was done, all the while sacrificing innocent women and children on the regular. You really think those Spaniards got off the ship guns a blazin’ while the Aztecs were trying to negotiate peace between humanity? There’s a reason the native tribes were a large part in defeating the Aztecs and it’s not because they weren’t complete assholes. And modern society IS better than what they were doing in Aztec society. You can recognize that while also also respecting and being awestruck by these ancient civilizations with primitive tools.
They would give the sacrifices pulque which is an alcohol made from the Maguey plant. Pre tequila. It would inebriate them and make them docile. The sacrifices (some) were war captives and often marched in from miles away after being conquered by the Mexica (Aztecs) and so they were worn down. And then given Pulque and walked up the back of the pyramid. Some sacrifices were chosen and the ceremony for which they were chosen to be sacrificed during was an honor. Large massive practices of sacrifice were during war campaigns the Tlatoani or Emperor would make against other uncooperative city states during each ones reign. And the massive sacrifices the Aztecs practiced were in Tenochtitlan, modern day Mexico city, not Teotihuacan as they are speaking of. Teotihuacan was made centuries before the Mexica reign. The Aztecs we’re still wandering this time. And it is unknown who created the Great city of Teotihuacan. Which means land where men become Gods. The Aztecs did utilize it and believe in it’s greatness. There’s not too much info on them sacrificing and conducting ceremonies in Teotihuacan though as it was not their central base of existence. They and the triple alliance were all assembled around lake Texcoco with Tenochtitlan being the capital and central location for worship was the Temple of Huitzilopochtli known now as the Templar Mayor in Mexico City…
Wonderful discussion. However if I may respectfully point out some minor details. Josh is correct in that the city he discussed and the photographs that were displayed is indeed Teotihuacan. Although Teotihuacan is what the Aztecs named it, it was abandoned and mysterious even to them. Also, possibly Because of the similar names, there are statements that indicate a confusion between mysterious Teotihuacan and the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. Not a big deal. Although I consider these events to be one of history’s greatest tragedies, I do understand the motivation of the new comers. With their absolute acceptance of the gospels. Upon witnessing blood sacrifice along with blood caked priests, it was only natural to conclude that they had entered into Satan’s sphere of influence. Destruction of heathens would have been seen as their holy duty.
The Aztecs did have knowledge of the wheel, they even had small wheeled toys. However, the wheel was not applied to practical purposes like carts or wagons. This may have been due to the lack of suitable draft animals, the challenging terrain of their region, or the efficiency of their existing transportation methods
9:20 and thats how this misinformation starts, the Azteca were hated by the rest of the native you know when they sacrifice your cousins whole village it might be a little hateful, the rural tribes joined with cortez, you get the chance to walk on that ground without bothering to even know the story of the people died fighting for their lives across that land bridge. Believe it or not Maxixcatl is not a Spanish name.
SORRY FOR MY ENGLISH, but this important!: Mexicas (XIV – XVI) did not build Teotihuacan, this was actually a thousand years older (I – VII), and it was also a mystery for them and the other cultures of the Postclassic period. Also, they KNEW the wheel, but the used it for whole other purposes, scientific, mathematical, purposes. Notice that I used the name ‘Mexicas’ instead of ‘Aztecs’ beacause it’s more accurate. The name ‘aztecs’ was given after The Conquista de México, as most of the cultures habitants of the Anahuac Continent (actual Central and North America) descended from the first people of Aztlan (a mytical place supposedly located somewhere above the Rio Grande’s westside). The 7th tribe of the descendants of Aztlan made their pilgrimage south and found in 1321 the promised land, which is now Mexico City. First, the were called ‘Tenochcas’, after their leader’s name ‘Tenoch’, and shortly after they became the Mexicas, when they became in only 200 years the greatest Empire in the center of Cem Anahuac. And yes, most people don´t know shi3t about ancient Mexico, one of the 5 great civilizations of our era. Yes, the egotistic view of occidental modern culture is blinding. Josh really got the essence and greatness of mexican mystical roots. Joe at least admitted that he could be wrong XD
Hey so has anyone ever considered, the natives were like “our god” when they were looking upon their temple,,, which killed them by the thousands,,, so naturally when they felt the europeans coming (to basically kill them) they felt the same feelings as when the temple was going to kill them, and were like,,, “it’s god, it feels like god”
Being as i am half Ute Aztecan by blood i feel i should remind that my ancestors were cannibals. Montezuma would eat conquered leaders in front of their families & they would keep people in cages & fatten them for months before cutting their hearts out & then they would eat them. The Spanish were cruel but so were the natives.
Cortes went from Cuba to Mexico. He was only supposed to explore set up trade, no conquest. Instead he went behind the back of the governor of Cuba and basically conquered and founded his own fiefdom. No rusty armor. The history of that conquest is fascinating, they met a Spanish sailor who was a castaway and spoke Maya and used him and a woman called la malinche, who spoke Maya and Nahuatl (Aztec) to communicate. The spanish where helped by all the tribes who were oppressed by the Aztec. Diseases did alot of the work. There is so much more than, a big boat and let’s kill everything.
I think one of the ‘tricks’ of History, as we receive it in the Western world, is to view relatively recent events as ‘long, long ago’. This facilitates Colonisation. The past is a ‘Dead Country’. The reality is that these events are recent. One thing colonisation achieves is loss of memory. Where once we had sages who remembered the tribal histories of our peoples and recited them orally from memory now we have books gathering dust in library shelves and most of us can’t remember what we did yesterday, let alone who are recent ancestors were or what we did. The Ruling Classes in this world have much longer memories. They can tell you what their ancestors were doing hundreds if not thousands of years ago. The Sovereign Military Order pof Malta is an example. You can’t be a Knight unless you can prove your aristocratic background going back 500 years. An extremely powerful organisation. And yet who has heard of it in general life? Our memories have evaporated. With all our digital devices doing so much of our thinking and remembering for us this process will continue until all memory has died in us.
Actually the Spaniards lost every single battle they had against the Aztecs. The problem the Aztecs had were 2 fundamental flaws. The first being that they did not believe in senseless killing, they were to defeat and capture their enemies so they could be offered up as sacrifice. In order to do that they had to capture not kill their enemies because the heart had to be beating during the ritual. The 2nd flaw is that during their rituals they would eat the remaining parts of the body once the heart was taken out. The 2nd flaw was the main reason for their down fall. Cortez and what remained of his army were trying to figure out a way to return to Spain without the Gold and how to explain to the king how he lost most of his army and comes back wounded and empty handed. He then sent spies to go back to Tenochtitlan to see what was going on and to report back because he feared they would attack and then they would be finished. Well that attack never happened and his spies came back to inform Cortez that on their way to Tenochtitlan they saw Aztec Indians laying on the side of the roads then thousands more at the capital laying on the ground infected with small pox. A disease not known to the Aztecs therefore no vaccine for it. They had been infected by Spaniards they ate that brought small pox with them from Europe. And the rest as they say is History.
In college I read a few things about the Aztecs. First was Aztecs: An Interpretation by Inga Clendenin and another thing If I remember correctly called Invisible Warriors The information that you learn is absolutely amazing. Are the Spanish interpretations of the event are so biased and make it seem that about 300 adventurers (not even soldiers) would be able to not only siege the huge city of Tenochtitlan, but also win against maybe 40,000 warriors? Yeah right. Yeahhhhhhhhh right. The Spanish make hardly any mention if at all about the other 100,000 native warriors that they convinced to topple the Aztecs (when you conquer people…..people don’t like you) BUT BUT BUT ….GUNS! – Guns Shmunz, they were matchlocks lol it took about 2 minutes to reload they were better off used as clubs… The sword tho……….killing machine. Scratch that. Them smallpox tho…..
i think so many people have trouble rationalizing how massive projects were made, because the development of self has hindered the human understanding for what is truly possible when your selfish needs arent a factor. For example if you dont mind dying for a cause, completing it suddenly becomes a lot easier. Now if you consider dying for that same cause is akin to being famous today, it becomes a hell of a lot easier. a half million people, all at the disposal of a focused plan can accomplish great feats, much like the way a few hundred bees can construct a massive nest over a few generations. you need to remove your self, not yourself from the equation
Fun fact: The aztecs actually outnumbered the Spaniards by alot and were very skilled in guerilla combat. They consistently defeated and held back the spanish. Ultimately they were defeated when too much of the population died to disease as the spanish grew their numbers by allying with the various native enemies of the aztecs
There are so many misconceptions and mistruths when it comes to ancient Mexico. The Mexicans didnt think the dirty Europeans were Gods, because Spanish people had washed up to Mayan shores 10 years before due to a shipwreck. Only two Spanish survived. Montezuma knew about this. He had spies EVERYWHERE. The whole return of Quetzalcoatl is a myth created by cortes after him learning about how the God was said to one day return. In other words, he used it to elevate himself as a near God in the eyes of the people he would slaughter before the world and recorded history. Also, they were not SLAVES. They were enemy CAPTIVES. Slaves are meant for servitude, Captives are made for sacrifice. The MesoAmerican system of war was not killing, it was capturing. Much like ancient Japan where two war factions faced off and each soldier chose another to face off with. In Japan, the loser got killed, in ancient Mexico you got sacrificed to the Gods. Being sacrificed was an honor and a noble way to die as a warrior who had got bested. Also, it wasn’t 12 Spanish killing a thousand. And it also wasnt that Cortes was some genius military strategist. He exploited the bad blood between tribes and recruited natives to join him against the Aztec. Another interesting fact is that nobody really knows how Cortes looked because he was depicted as something he wasnt. By the time Cortes had arrived in Mexico he was already in the long throes of siphillis. His legs were already bowed and deformed as well as his face with sores and deformation of the bone.
Los aztecas y las culturas de México, conocían el concepto de “rueda” tenían juguetes con ruedas… No construían vehículos porque sabían que eso implicaría construir caminos y por lo tanto destruir la selva y la naturaleza considerada sagrada… además de que existimos más de 25 millones de mexicanos cuyo primer idioma no es el español, sino el náhuatl, el chichimeca o alguna otra lengua prehispánica, los europeos quisieron aniquilar nuestra cultura, pero seguimos muy vivos aquí en el ombligo de la luna y nadie nos va a mover… Great article Joe, Greetings from CDMX.
When discuss whether we know what it was really like back then and discussing how history is written through the biased perspectives of our ancestors. Just go to some of the Mayan villages in México and ask them, and when you hear their perspectives of their Mayan ancestors, you realise their cultural heritage is so amazing and beautiful. I’m more willing to trust their perspective than the Spaniard, considering the Mayans today still live simple lives off the grid and they still believe and practice a lot of the same lifestyles and cultural traditions, except the sacrifices, but according to them these sacrifices were voluntary and you had to win in a competitive game of sport in order to sacrificed, and from what I’ve heard it was a great honor to be chosen to be sacrificed, and the idea of sacrifice was to benefit the entire society, so it’s nice to see a positive perspective to it, despite us not agreeing with the practice. The Mayan believes and practices are so beautiful, you can visit them to this day and I highly recommend it. They don’t know diabetes, cancer, Parkinson’s or anything, and their average life expectancy can range between 90s and early hundreds.
Fucking awesome..Joe going deep with QOSA frontman..those first encounters from the Age of Human Exploration.Historical accounts of these meetings are fascinating.As Joe was saying to be a “fly on the wall” when Cortez met Montezuma would be mind-blowing.Also the moment the Native people saw these massive Spanish Ships Approaching,and then there actual arrival with horses, and armored men riding them… mind-blowing for the native people,I’m sure…very entertaining and thought provoking discussion…bravo boys!! .
We spaniards are always the villains in the movie. What many people don’t get is that you can’t judge a person who lived in the 1500s by today’s standards. If sometimes it’s difficult to understand our grandparents beliefs and behaviour, just imagine Cortes and Pizarro’s. Or Joan of Arc’s, or Richard Lionheart’s, or Geoffrey de Bouillon….
The Spaniards by their own accounts weren’t underwhelmed by the sight of the Aztecs on the contrary they expressed total awe at the sight of the precolumbian metropolis even saying it was grander then the greatest public centers of Europe and the Middle East. But they had a mission to conquer so they like battle hardened soldiers neatly put their emotions in check and got onto conquering (as they were after all called conquistadors)
I got 5 theories on how all pyramids were built. 1) there was a lot of humans on earth, different species, some helped willingly and unwillingly. 2) a giant race of humans built them or helped built the pyramids, some for their girlfriends and others for good friends. 3) dinosaurs probably lived amongst humans, humans pretty much made some dinosaurs help. 4) extraterrestrial help or inter terrestrials helped us out. 5) there was some advanced race before us, we just living on what we found out about them.