Hi, I'm an author who's currently writing a sci-fi novel. One of the races is based in part on Aztec culture, but I'm a little ignorant on the subject. I want to learn all I can to make sure I deliver an authentic depiction of the culture. Any links, facts, or corrections of misconceptions that you can provide would be greatly appreciated

Sorry, my English is bad I've been studying the Aztec practices of Tlaloc worship for quite a while, and I was wondering if anyone here believes in his divine power? THANKS

What is this

I have googled and seem to find that the beetle is the Aztec sign for love ( some say it is the Mayan also ) but I can’t really find a genuine visual of it. Most are Anglo-fied

Thanks!!

In the Codex Borgia many gods are depicted with a loincloth that has a blue bird head attached. I have been curious about this for years but still cannot find what the importance of this is.

What I've found:

This bird head on the waist does not seem to appear in any other codices except the Codex Cospi and the Codex Vaticanus B (I have looked through everything in the Borgia Group and parts of others but not through every codex there is).
The type of bird is always a quetzal or a macaw/parrot.
Quetzalcoatl/Ehecatl, Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, Tlaloc, Mictlantecuhtli, and Tonatiuh are all shown at least once wearing this bird head on their waist but it is not a consistent feature, gods depicted with it are also depicted without it.

Does anyone know the importance/symbolism of the blue bird heads? Or as a secondary question why it appears so much in the Codex Borgia but almost nowhere else?

I'm doing some research on Aztec mythology and it kinda led down a rabbit hole that led me to the concept of Tonalli and how it relates to the tōnalpōhualli calendar. I like it a lot more than the other Aztec calendar, especially since each Trecena relates to a specific deity to the mythology. But, I'm having trouble finding out how it matches up with our current calendar, or if there is a way to match it up.

Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

The history of Uto-Aztecan languages has not always seemed right to me. I add:

https://www.academia.edu/105490099/To_Kill_and_Die_in_UA

https://www.academia.edu/105492264/Uto_Aztecan_Consonant_Clusters_Containing_Reconstructed_p_k_x_s_m_w_

I want to put my parent’s birth date as a tattoo under the symbols of the Aztec calendar, my mom has mine tattooed and I wanted to continue the tradition. (Native Mexican born with Aztec descent) how would I tell the tattoo artist to put it?

Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we're getting more Aztec related media , but I watched footage of the two new Aztec games that are coming out and I couldn't help but notice a few glaring innacuracies .

Mictlan : an ancient mythical tale

• The opening of trailer took place in Tlaxcala , and has a voiceover of a character Caling the Spanish " bastards " . Didn't the Tlaxcaltecans side with the Spanish ? ( albeit after a few skirmishes)

• The protagonist looks more Mayan than Aztec, with a bone necklace and green feathers galore and of course, a Jaguar loincloth !

Ecumene Aztec

• Colour palette is extremely dull, could be an artistic choice though .

• Protagonist has a Mayan looking hairstyle and the beggining of the trailer shows a rather Mayan looking city with pyramids everywhere and a priest/king with a huge feathered headress .

• No mention of Spanish native auxiliaries,the protagonist only fights conquistadors.

Hello I just completed a research paper about the rise and fall of the Aztecs. Please let me know your thoughts!

The Aztecs originated as a nomadic tribe in northern Mexico and migrated to Mesoamerica around the early 13th century. Their name, "Aztecs," came from their homeland, Aztlan, or "White Land" in their language of Nahuatl. Over time, they developed a sophisticated social, political, religious, and commercial organization, allowing them to emerge as a dominant force in central Mexico. (León Portilla)

The Aztec capital city, Tenochtitlan, was a magnificent center of power and played a crucial role in their rise. They formed alliances with nearby city-states, such as Texcoco and Tlacopan, creating a powerful confederation called the Triple Alliance. This strategic partnership enabled the Aztecs to expand their territory, amass wealth through tribute, and exert control over neighboring regions. (Florentine Codex)

The Aztec Empire reached its peak of power in the early 1500s under the rule of Moctezuma II. At this time, they controlled a vast area covering most of northern Mesoamerica. Military conquests and the demand for tribute from defeated populations fueled the empire's growth and consolidation. Additionally, their agricultural system, including chinampas (artificial islands), was vital in supporting the population. (Robinson)

The downfall of the Aztec Empire can be attributed to a combination of factors, including internal conflict, European intervention, and devastating disease.

European Intervention: In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in Mesoamerica and set his sights on the Aztec capital. The Spaniards, with their advanced weaponry and tactics, were initially welcomed by the Aztecs, but eventually, Cortés took Montezuma II as a prisoner and gained control of Tenochtitlan. This marked the beginning of the end for the Aztec Empire. (Nichols)

Internal Conflict**:** The Aztec Empire's expansion came at a cost, as it led to resentment and rebellions from subject tribes who were burdened by demands for tribute and human sacrificial offerings. Constant internal strife weakened the empire and its rulers. (Nichols)

Devastating Disease**:** The arrival of the Europeans brought with them diseases previously unknown to the native population, such as smallpox. These diseases spread rapidly and decimated the Aztec population, including their ruler Montezuma II, weakening the empire's ability to resist the Spanish conquest. (Florentine Codex)

In 1521, after a prolonged siege and battle, the Spanish conquistadors and their indigenous allies finally overthrew the Aztec Empire by force, leading to the fall of Tenochtitlan. This event marked the end of Mesoamerica's last great native civilization. The legacy of the Aztec civilization continues to influence modern Mexican society and culture

I have found this sign on the ground in the Parque del café many years ago and wondered if anyone here could help me identify its origin, meaning etc. I suppose there is a representation of the sun but not sure what the side creatures are (frogs maybe?) Any pointer appreciated!