Aztec weapons are among the most fascinating in history. While many people take an interest in historical warfare, they may not be fully aware of the wide variety of weapons included in an Aztec weapons list. Although some Aztec weapons were similar to those used in other parts of the world, they were uniquely designed due to the Aztecs’ reliance on locally available resources and their advanced technology for the time.
Aztec Weapons List: For hand-to-hand combat
Macuahuitl: Aztec’s Lethal Blade
The Aztec macuahuitl differed from European clubs, which were designed primarily as blunt weapons. Shaped like an oar, the macuahuitl was a short-range weapon equipped with polished and sharpened obsidian stones embedded along its edges.
Unlike a typical club, these stones transformed it into a cutting tool, allowing it to be wielded like a sword. This made the macuahuitl a lethal weapon in Aztec warfare, capable of killing or severely maiming an opponent with a few blows, combining the simplicity of its design with lethal effectiveness.
Other Melee Weapons
The Aztecs utilized a variety of melee weapons, including clubs and spears of varying lengths. Some spears, like the Tepoztopilli, featured shovel-like tips lined with obsidian blades and ranged from 3 to 7 feet (2.13 m) in length, allowing warriors to slice, jab, and topple enemies from the front lines.
Clubs made from smaller pieces of wood resembled modern-day baseball bats, while axes and tomahawks, known as itztopilli, came in various sizes to suit different combat scenarios. Additionally, hooked blades resembling scythes and short-shafted spears were common, providing greater manoeuvrability in hand-to-hand combat.
Aztec Weapons List: For long-range combat
The Atlatl: Enhancing Spear Throwing
It was a spear thrower that increased force by utilizing the spring action of its frame. This powerful weapon allowed spears to be thrown with enhanced speed and precision, while enabling the user to take cover.
Traditional spears, a staple of Aztec weaponry, were often fitted into the atlatl for more effective deployment against enemies. The atlatl or its variations were popular throughout pre-Columbian America and were also used by the Maya civilization.
Sling: Tools of War and Hunt
Aztecs also employed slings, as one might expect. These versatile tools were used for both hunting and warfare. Constructed to be long and sturdy, slings were capable of hurling stones or other projectiles over considerable distances, striking or intimidating adversaries.
The Blowgun: Silent Assassins
Known as tlacalhuazcuahuitl, it was another popular Aztec weapon due to its simplicity and stealth. This versatile weapon could launch a variety of projectiles and was easy to operate. Blowguns came in both long and short forms, capable of firing darts made from diverse materials. These darts were typically dipped in poison or infused with herbs to incapacitate or render an opponent unconscious. Trained hunters were sometimes deployed to fire poison-tipped darts at enemies during battles.
Bows and arrows: Tlahhuitolli in Battle
Bows and arrows were a common feature in Aztec warfare, as in many other cultures. They allowed warriors to attack from long distances, employ flaming arrows, or shoot while manoeuvring on the battlefield.
The Aztec longbows, known as tlahhuitolli, were typically around 5 feet (1.52 m) long and strung with animal sinew. The arrows, crafted from polished, sharpened obsidian or stone, were often retrieved after hitting their targets to conserve resources.
Shields and Armour Explained
Aztec warriors employed shields made of wood, known as chīmalli, designed to offer complete protection. These shields were typically made from animal skins, feathers, and sometimes precious metals, serving both as defensive aids and pieces of art with intricate feather motifs and mosaics. Smaller shields were used in close-quarters combat and were constructed thick enough to withstand most arrows. Shields were a crucial part of a warrior’s equipment.
The armour of Aztec warriors was made from layered, quilted cotton—two or three layers were sufficient to stop most projectiles and weapons. This innovative armour protected both the torso and the arms and was frequently improved to counter the development of sharper arrows, swords, and other heavy projectiles. In many cases, Aztec armour advancements outpaced the evolution of weapons, highlighting the sophistication of their defensive technology.
You can also check out: The Rich Symbolism and History of Aztec Art
