The Aztecs: Cannibalism as a Supposed Dietary Necessity
This article explores the controversial topic of the Aztecs' supposed practice of cannibalism. Some people, including archaeologists, have suggested that
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Slide1The Aztecs The Aztecs Cannibalism: a supposed dietary necessity Cannibalism: a supposed dietary necessity
Slide2The issue The issue Some people (archeologists, actually) have said that the Aztec practiced human sacrifice because their diet did not include enough protein. Some people (archeologists, actually) have said that the Aztec practiced human sacrifice because their diet did not include enough protein. Some people (archeologists, actually) have said that the Aztecs had no need to kill people to get their protein Some people (archeologists, actually) have said that the Aztecs had no need to kill people to get their protein
Slide3The Point? The Point? Aztec diet had enough protein Aztec diet had enough protein Aztecs practiced human sacrifice around the time of harvest Aztecs practiced human sacrifice around the time of harvest Aztec human sacrifice functioned as a “Thanksgiving” to the Gods. Aztec human sacrifice functioned as a “Thanksgiving” to the Gods.
Slide4Were the Aztecs ‘vegetarians’? Were the Aztecs ‘vegetarians’? The answer is NO The answer is NO Armadillo Armadillo Pocket Gopher (Tozan) Pocket Gopher (Tozan) Weasels (cuztli) Weasels (cuztli) Rattle snakes Rattle snakes Mice Mice They also ate They also ate Iguanas Iguanas Turkeys Turkeys Dogs Dogs Fish Fish Frogs Frogs Axolotl Axolotl Fish eggs Fish eggs
Slide5Aztecs also ate Aztecs also ate Corn Corn Beans Beans Chia Chia Amaranth Amaranth
Slide6What about Human Sacrifice? What about Human Sacrifice? Well, it did happen… Well, it did happen… Human sacrifice meant some meat for the elite (nobles) Human sacrifice meant some meat for the elite (nobles) Only the extremities of the body of sacrificed victims were used Only the extremities of the body of sacrificed victims were used Many festivals were dedicated to Tlaloc and victims were usually buried, not eaten. Many festivals were dedicated to Tlaloc and victims were usually buried, not eaten.
Slide7Aztec monthChristian* calendar Agricultural†cycle Ritual ceremonies‡ Dry season 1. Atlcualo 02/14 to 03/05 Children sacrificed to Tlaloc 2. Tlacaxipehualiztli 03/06 to 03/25 Big kill, children to Tlaloc 3. Tozozoztontli 03/26 to 04/14 Children to Tlaloc 4. Hueytozoztli 04/15 to 05/04 Rainy season 5. Toxcatl 05/05 to 05/24 Planting of corn Eating of victims possible but not mentioned 6. Etzalcualiztl 05/25 to 06/13 Planting of corn 7. Tecuilhuitontli 06/14 to 07/03 8. Hueytecuilhuitl 07/04 to 07/23 Time of scarcity 9. Miccailhuitl 07/24 to 08/12 10. Xocothuetzi 08/13 to 09/01 No killing, no victims eaten 11. Ochpaniztli 09/02 to 09/21 Fruit harvest Harvest feast 12. Teotleco 09/22 to 10/11 13. Tepeilhuitl 10/12 to 10/31 Corn harvest Big kill and eating 14. Quecholli 11/01 to 11/20 Corn harvest
Slide8Human Sacrifice and Harvest Human Sacrifice and Harvest Aztec month Aztec month Christian* calendar Christian* calendar Agricultural†cycle Agricultural†cycle Ritual ceremonies‡ Ritual ceremonies‡ 13. Tepeilhuitl 13. Tepeilhuitl 10/12 to 10/31 10/12 to 10/31 Corn harvest Corn harvest Big kill and eating Big kill and eating 14. Quecholli 14. Quecholli 11/01 to 11/20 11/01 to 11/20 Corn harvest Corn harvest Dry season Dry season 15. Panquetzaliztli 15. Panquetzaliztli 11/21 to 12/10 11/21 to 12/10 Corn harvest Corn harvest Biggest kill and eating Biggest kill and eating 16. Atemoztli 16. Atemoztli 12/11 to 12/30 12/11 to 12/30 Corn harvest Corn harvest No killing, no victims eaten No killing, no victims eaten 17. Tititl 17. Tititl 12/31 to 01/19 12/31 to 01/19 Eating of victims possible but not mentioned Eating of victims possible but not mentioned 18. Izcalli 18. Izcalli 01/20 to 02/08 01/20 to 02/08 No killing, no victims eaten No killing, no victims eaten
Slide9ConclusionConclusion It is generally agreed that the Aztecs practiced ritual cannibalism but there is no agreement about the extent of this practice. It is generally agreed that the Aztecs practiced ritual cannibalism but there is no agreement about the extent of this practice. There is no need to cite ecological disaster or stress in the Aztec Empire to say they practiced cannibalism There is no need to cite ecological disaster or stress in the Aztec Empire to say they practiced cannibalism The Aztec diet did not have a need for a daily source of protein or a supplement. The Aztec diet did not have a need for a daily source of protein or a supplement.
Slide10Thanks!Thanks!