The Aztecs had not yet created iron or bronze metals when the Spanish arrived in Mexico. Their tools were fashioned from obsidian, stone, and animal bone. Also absent were the wheel and beasts of burden. The Aztecs had a society that was fairly advanced despite the fact that they lacked these fundamental technology. They also have some of their own technology and literature.
Aztec Language
Nahuatl was the language of the Aztecs. In some regions of Mexico, it is still practiced today. Coyote, avocado, chile, and chocolate are among Nahuatl terms that have been translated into English.
Aztec Writing
Glyphs or pictographs were the writing tools of the Aztecs. Instead of using an alphabet, they represented events, objects, or sounds with drawings. The only people who could read and write were priests. Long sheets made of plant fibers or animal skins were used for writing. A codex is the name for an Aztec text. Few of the codices survived and have allowed archaeologists to gain valuable insight into Aztec culture despite the fact that the majority of them were burned or destroyed.
Aztec Calendar
The usage of calendars by the Aztecs is one of their most well-known technological innovations. Two calendars were utilized by the Aztecs.
For keeping track of religious celebrations and holidays, utilize a single calendar. The word “day count” is translated as “tonalpohualli,” the name of this calendar. It was revered to the Aztecs and played a crucial role in maintaining the harmony of the cosmos by allocating time among the gods equitably. There were 260 days in the year. Thirteen day signs and 21 day signs were used to depict each day.
The time was recorded on the opposite calendar. This timetable was known as the “solar year” or Xiuhpohualli. 18 months of 20 days each made up its 365 days. The last five days were regarded as bad days.
The two calendars would begin on the same day every 52 years. The Aztecs believed that this day would bring about the end of the world. On this day, they held the New Fire Ceremony.
Agriculture
Foods including maize, beans, and squash were grown by the Aztecs using agriculture. The chinampa was one novel method they employed in swampy places. The Aztecs created an artificial island called a chinampa in the lake. They constructed a lot of chinampas and planted crops on these artificial islands. The fertile soil and ample water supply in the chinampas made them ideal for growing crops.
Aqueducts
Bathing at least once a day was a significant aspect of Aztec culture. To accomplish this, they required fresh water in the city. The Aztecs constructed two substantial aqueducts that brought fresh water from sources more than 2.5 miles distant to their capital city of Tenochtitlan.
Medicine
The Aztecs thought that disease might have both natural and divine (supernatural) causes. They treated illnesses using a wide range of herbs. Steam baths were one of the principal treatments that doctors advised. They believed that the poisons making the person ill would leave their body through sweat.
Aztec writing and technology: Interesting Facts
One long sheet of paper folded into an accordion style was used to create Aztec codices. The length of many codices exceeded ten meters.
Because they seemed to float on top of the lake, the chinampa farms were frequently referred to as floating gardens. The farmers would paddle canoes between the fields, which were laid out in rectangles.
The Aztecs navigated the waters of the Valley of Mexico using canoes to move people and cargo.
Splints were used by Aztec medical professionals to stabilize shattered bones as they healed.
Popcorn and chocolate, two of our favorite foods, were created by the Aztecs.
Mandatory schooling for all was one of the innovations the Aztecs had before a lot of the rest of the world. Everyone was forced by law to attend school, including boys and girls, wealthy and poor.