Warriors in Aztec Society
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The Aztecs were excellent warriors. Much of their territory was acquired by fighting their neighbors. Warriors were an important part of the Aztec culture. Being a warrior put you in a higher position in society. There were significant rewards for being a successful warrior. Young boys would receive a good education for training to be a warrior. Capturing prisoners was a way for warriors to rise in the ranks. Some warriors wore helmets with the insignia of their order. Some warriors wore a lip plug of polished stone to show they were mighty in their battles. There were special warriors like knights that dressed up like animals. These were the Jaguar and the Eagle warriors.
The weapons the Aztecs used.
The Aztecs had many interesting weapons. One of their best know and main weapon was the maquahuitl (Also spelled macuahuitl). There are two types of the maquahuitl, the one handed and two handed versions. They were made of wood and were 3 to 4 feet long and 3 to 4 inches wide, but the two handed one was wider and could be as big as a person. On the side of the maquahuitl were pieces of obsidian or flint. Maquahuitls were used similar to a sword. The Spanish claimed that a maquahuitl could chop off a horse's head in one swipe.
Another common weapon was the atatl. It was not actually a weapon, but a device used to throw a spear much farther. Along with the maquahuitl and the atatl the Aztecs also skillfully used spears, lances, slings, and bows, making them fierce enemies.
Another common weapon was the atatl. It was not actually a weapon, but a device used to throw a spear much farther. Along with the maquahuitl and the atatl the Aztecs also skillfully used spears, lances, slings, and bows, making them fierce enemies.