The obsidian was vital in the Azteca Empire

There are hundreds of obsidian artifacts in the Templo Mayor de Tenochtitlán, in Mexico. An analysis of them reveals new information. It was the key in economic networks, rituals and political influence of the Mexican Empire (Aztec). The obsidian was vital in the Aztec Empire. Because?

This mineral is a volcanic glass used for ceremonial tools and objects. And one of the most important raw materials in the pre -Columbian era. He moved through ancient Mesoamerica and molded life in the Aztec capital.

Obsidian from Sierra Verde

The report is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They analyzed 788 obsidian artifacts excavated in the Temple Mayor of Tenochtitlán, the main temple and core of the Mexican Empire. They mainly used green obsidian from the Sierra de Pachuca. Also from seven other places, including regions beyond its political borders, such as Ucareo, to the west. They had long -distance active trade, even with rival political entities. This allows exploring the movement of goods through Mesoamerica.

90% of the artifacts of the sample are from Obsidian of the Sierra de Pachuca. It was appreciated for its green color and its symbolic connection with the mythical city of Tollan. There are miniature weapons, jewelry and incrustations for sculptures.

A minor, but significant portion of the Obsidian came from places like Otumba, Tulancingo, Ucaro and El Paraíso. Some were out of the control of the Mexican Empire. They were used for the production of tools and were in the construction filling. These types of obsidian were available for the general population through local markets.

Centered control

The obsidian was vital in the Aztec empire and that is why the local government controlled her. After the Mexicans consolidated their power around 1430 d. C., the obsidian for ritual purposes went to almost exclusively from the Sierra de Pachuca. There was a growing religious standardization and centralized control.

"We trace how imperial expansion, political alliances and commercial networks evolved over time," says the researchers. The artifacts were analyzed by portable x -ray fluorescence. It is a non -destructive method that identifies the geochemical footprint of each artifact. «This work not only highlights the scope and complexity of the Mexican Empire. It shows that we can discover new things about ancient objects and reveal cultural practices of the past, ”they conclude.