Updated my Mexica/Aztec Map of Mexico and the Conquest using the incredible map of @thomaskole.bsky.social. My map is also a full plotting of many different books, archeological sites and more. My Google Map: www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/e...

Tzompantli, or skull racks, were common in mesoamerica. Recent archeology has uncovered the main skull rack in Tenochtitlan - a massive structure that spanned the foot of the Templo Mayor. The Spanish documented several tzompantli in other places, including the small town of Ixtacamaxtitlán.

In episode 1 of #Mexica: A History Podcast, we meet Moctezuma II & explore the streets, canals & markets of #Tenochtitlan. In this clip, explore the famous Tlatelolco Market. Listen to the full series now. 🟢https://open.spotify.com/show/1NcjfTpGqndi6eaqrbTYp8 🍎 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...

This stone ring in Cempoala reportedly served as the sleeping area for the Spaniards when they stayed here in 1519. Other narratives indicate they were hosted in the palaces nearby. It's likely the hundreds of men slept in both places.

"Such a good podcast, from the first episode to the last each one got better and better as far as speaking, background noises, and overall feel. You NEED to continue the history. Great Job!!" - Spotify listener Kory #podcasts open.spotify.com/show/1NcjfTp...

Patreon request of an nahua man with a flower cloak carrying his young infant. I think it came out pretty nicely, but what do you think? www.patreon.com/c/Rafaelmena

A Raid in the Mississippi (July 2022)

If I do any more episodes they would be about the Aztlan journey.

Episode 1: go deep into the life of #Aztec Emperor, Moctezuma, & life in Tenochtitlan. Hear the market of Tlatelolco, experience daily life of the emperor, learn about trade & goods in the Valley of Mexico. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. open.spotify.com/show/1NcjfTp...

THANK YOU! 50,000! Thank you to everyone who has given Mexica: A History Podcast a listen. It's a passion project based on thousands of hours of research into both European, Indigenous and archeological documents. Listen on your favorite podcast platform. www.buzzsprout.com/1910364

The Final Episode of Mexica: A History Podcast is out now. The Last Kings of the Mexica (Aztecs), following the final rulers Cuitlahuac, Cuauhtémoc, Tlacotzin, Motelchiuh. Apple Pods: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...

Sit in Moctezuma's chamber as decisions are made about the invaders from the East. Be by the campfires as Cortes and his men scheme for Aztec gold. This 8-episode, deeply sourced podcast takes you inside the struggle for Mexico. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...

The amanteca featherworkers of the Valley of Mexico created vast amounts of art, all of which is gone beyond seven identified pre-contact pieces. Mass of St Gregory is an amazing example of #Aztec art applied to Christian themes in a post-contact world.

"Along with this, it pleased our God, when the Christians were greatly wearied by the war, to send smallpox among them, and among the Indians there arose a great pestilence, since there were so many people inside, especially women, because they no longer had anything to eat." Francisco de Aguilar

Tlatoani Moctezuma Xocoyotzin meditates in his black meditation chamber (Casa Denegrada) deep within his palace. The Casa Denegrada was rediscovered in 2008 during excavations. This is some AI slop I played with. Could not get the crown right, could not get the bird to face Moctezuma.

Fresh masa tortillas at The Taco Stand in La Jolla, CA.

Some English words that come from #Aztec #Nahuatl :

My relationship...

I was given a copy of In the Land of Lacondón, a graphic novel about a French ethnographer in Guatemala searching for the Lacondón, believed to be the “last of the Maya.” FYI

October 2025 Patreon Request Mexica tier supporters can request a colored character sketch like this for every two months. You can submit yours right now if you join my Patreon! www.patreon.com/WilhelmHistory

Met a #xolo today at a California Dia de los Muertos celebration. ¡Que guapo!

"Tell the Captain that I have done my duty; I have defended my city, my kingdom, just as he would have defended his had I attempted to take it from him. But I have failed. Now that I am his captive, let him take this dagger and kill me with it." - Cuauhtemoc (Duran)

Execution of Cuauhtémoc from The Conquest of Mexico by William H. Prescott. Cuauhtémoc was taken on an expedition by Cortes to Honduras. On this journey Cortes murdered him along with Tetlepanquetzal of Tlacopan, and Tlacatlec, of Tlatelolco. #History

Tlatoani Cuauhtémoc represented as the figurehead of the Mexican sailing ship Cuauhtémoc (BE 01). This ship was tragically involved in a fatal collision with the Brooklyn Bridge in 2025. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

An image of the Templo Mayor and sacred precinct depicted in the Aubin Codex. This 81-page handwritten Nahuatl codex covers the history of Mexico (likely created 1576-1608). #HistorySky #Aztecs

San Diego State has revealed new logos for its Aztec theme.

“You should not let allow into your house one who would expel you from it” This was the reply of Cuitlahuac, ruler of Iztapalapa, brother and advisor to Moctezuma, when asked if it was wise to allow Cortes to enter Tenochtitlan. He was right.

Episode 12 - Empire of the Sun, the last rulers of Tenochtitlan is out now. Tizoc, Ahuitzotl and Moctezuma the Younger. #Spotify open.spotify.com/show/1NcjfTp...

"It happened that as Motecçuma uncovered his face a little to speak—which would have been at the eighth or ninth hour of the day—there came, among the many stones cast, one round like a ball, which struck Motecçuma between the temples as he stood between the two shields, and he fell" F. de Aguilar

The ruler after Moctezuma, Cuitlahuac, was named after poop. He was the tenth ruler of Tenochtitlan and his name means "place of excrement." He only ruled a few months before he fell victim to smallpox, like so many others at that time. #Mexico #History

Whenever I come across a name I reference this list and document why the person was mentioned & what they did. The result is a database of Indigenous people from Mexican history. Check it out: #Mexico

I wonder what the people of Makoko, #Nigeria in Africa could learn from Tenochtitlan? Built over water due to clever immigrants creating space for themselves. Could chinampas help this community?

Mexica: A History Podcast goes deep into Aztec & Catholic sources to tell a rich, colorful and spiritual narrative about the conflict between the Mexica of Tenochtitlan and the Castilians with their native allies. Listen now, ad free - made 100% without AI #Spotify open.spotify.com/show/1NcjfTp...

At the coronation of Moctezuma II, the royal guests, nobles from other cities, consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms. These spiritual mushrooms were called teonanácatl by the Nahua people, which means "god fungus."

At the ceremonial opening of the newly enlarged Templo Mayor, Catholic historian Duran reported 80,400 sacrificial victims were brought from tributary states. This number seems impossibly high and was probably exaggerated, whether intentionally or accidentally. #aztecs

The new 28 Years Later movie poster features an Aztec-like Tzompantli.

Italians might lean on tomatoes, peppers (Mexico) and noodles (China) too hard for a national culinary identity, but they got us on cilantro. Coriander/cilantro is from the Mediterranean.

#historiademexicoconpinups No. 20!!! Tollan Xicocotitlan (Toltec capital), and the last king, Huemac

A photo of the chinampa gardens in 1926. #Mexico

A Tzompantli is a skull rack where the bones of the sacrificed were displayed. The Gentling's painted the tzompantli with plastered, square end columns. But recent discoveries show rounded columns made of skulls & plaster.

Itzcoatl, or formally Itzcoatzin, was the fourth tlatoani of Tenochtitlan. His leadership guided the Mexica (Aztecs) away from subjugation & toward independence. Tossing aside historic loyalties to the Tepanecs, Itzcoatl fought for an independent Tenochtitlan.

Start a new history podcast today with Episode 1 of Mexica: A History Podcast - Moctezuma and the Valley of Mexico. Listen on Apple Podcasts, #Spotify or most other podcast outlets. A deeply sourced, ad-free sensory-driven narrative. mexicapodcast.com/podcast/epis...

Here's a great webpage on the construction techniques of the #Aztec causeways that spanned lakes Texcoco and Xochimilco, and how they shaped modern Mexico City. #MexicoCity unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/p/why-is-mex...

Episode 11: Rulers of Tenochtitlan: Itzcoatl, Moctezuma Ilhuicamina and Axayacatl These three rulers broke free from subjugation and expanded the new Triple Alliance across Central Mexico. #History #Mexico podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r...

In Episode 1 of Mexica, we explore the Aztec world as it was during the first contacts with Castilian conquistadors. A colorful description of Tenochtitlan walks the listener through life in the Aztec capital. #history #Mexico mexicapodcast.com/podcast/epis...

One criticism I've received on my version is that I included Catholic narratives, like the omens of the conquest (comet, etc). I also included mysticism from the Mexica side, which would also not be "real." Part of the goal of this podcast was to capture the spiritual world of both sides.

The Triple Alliance Partners at the time of the Spanish arrival: Ruler - People - Seat of Power Moctezuma II - Mexica - Tenochtitlan Tetlepanquetzal - Tepanecs - Tlacopan Cacama - Acolhua - Texcoco

Tlatoani Tizoc attacked Meztitlan for his inaugural battle. The child-king lost 300 men and only 40 sacrifices were brought back, according to the Cronica Mexicayotl. This was said to be a "disaster" result for the young king. For comparison, it is said Moctezuma I returned with 5000 sacrifices.

Cuauhtémoc was the last tlatoque of Tenochtitlan. Others would follow him, but Toltec blood did not flow in their veins. After fighting Cortes until there were no more people to fight, he was captured and dragged around by Cortes until he killed him. #Aztecs #History #Mexico

A photo of the chinampa gardens in 1926. #Mexico