Member-only story

The War of the Fatties and Other Stories from Aztec History: Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of the Aztec Civilization

Brent Foster

·17.2k Followers· Follow

Published in The War Of The Fatties And Other Stories From Aztec History (Texas Pan American Series)

5 min read · 4 weeks before

817 View Claps

89 Respond

Save

Listen

In the heart of Mexico's enigmatic past lies the Aztec civilization, a vibrant and complex society that left an indelible mark on the annals of human history. The book "The War of the Fatties and Other Stories from Aztec History" by Texas Pan American University unravels the fascinating tapestry of Aztec culture, offering a captivating glimpse into the lives, customs, and beliefs of this ancient civilization.

The Aztecs, also known as the Mexica, emerged in central Mexico in the 13th century. They established their capital, Tenochtitlan, on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco, which grew into one of the largest and most impressive cities in the pre-Columbian world.

The Aztec society was highly stratified, with the emperor at the apex of a hierarchical system. Priests, nobles, warriors, merchants, and commoners each played distinct roles in the intricate web of Aztec life.

The War of the Fatties and Other Stories from Aztec History (Texas Pan American Series)

by Salvador Novo

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1168 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	292 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

One of the most intriguing stories in the book is the "War of the Fatties." This conflict, which took place in 1519, pitted two factions of Aztecs against each other: the Fatties (Hueytlatoani) and the Skinnies (Tlatoani).

The Fatties were led by Emperor Motecuhzoma II, while the Skinnies were under the command of his rival, Cuauhtémoc. The conflict stemmed from Motecuhzoma's alleged surrender to the Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés, an event that deeply angered the Skinnies.

The civil war raged for several months, resulting in bloody battles and the destruction of many Aztec buildings. Ultimately, the Skinnies, with the support of the Spanish, emerged victorious, leading to the overthrow of Motecuhzoma and the rise of Cuauhtémoc as emperor.

Beyond the War of the Fatties, the book explores a rich tapestry of other stories from Aztec history, including:

"The Origin of the Aztecs": This tale recounts the legendary journey of the Aztecs from their mythical homeland of Aztlán to Tenochtitlan.
"The Flower Wars": The Aztecs engaged in ritualized warfare known as "Flower Wars" to capture prisoners for human sacrifice, a practice deeply ingrained in their religious beliefs.
"The Aztec Empire": The book provides a comprehensive overview of the Aztec empire, its vast territory, elaborate governance system, and technological advancements.
"The Spanish Conquest": The final chapter chronicles the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and their devastating conquest of the Aztec empire, marking a turning point in Mexican history.

Through these stories, the book offers a profound understanding of Aztec culture. It sheds light on their intricate religious beliefs, including the veneration of gods like Huitzilopochtli and Quetzalcoatl. It also explores their sophisticated art, architecture, and writing system.

The book highlights the importance of human sacrifice in Aztec society, a practice that was deeply rooted in their religious beliefs and served as a means of appeasing the gods and ensuring the continued prosperity of the empire.

"The War of the Fatties and Other Stories from Aztec History" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the fascinating world of the Aztec civilization. It provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of Aztec history, culture, and beliefs.

The book's strength lies in its ability to convey complex historical events in a captivating and accessible manner. By weaving together historical accounts with captivating stories, it brings the Aztec civilization to life, inviting readers to delve into their rich and often enigmatic world.

"The War of the Fatties and Other Stories from Aztec History" is an exceptional work that unveils the vibrant and complex tapestry of the Aztec civilization. Through its captivating stories and insightful analysis, the book offers a profound understanding of the lives, customs, and beliefs of this ancient people.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an anthropology student, or simply curious about the richness of human history, this book is an invaluable companion that will transport you to the heart of the Aztec world and leave you with a newfound appreciation for one of the most extraordinary civilizations in human history.

The War of the Fatties and Other Stories from Aztec History (Texas Pan American Series)

by Salvador Novo

4.4 out of 5