How History Remembers the Aztec People

Throughout weathered and torn high school textbooks, history remembers the Aztec people as an indigenous race who cut out the hearts of their enemies after battle and created gods out of anything to bring them good luck and fortune. Although some details may actually be true, most of their stories remain untold or briefly mentioned. In reality, the Aztec people were a unique civilization that thrived in all aspects of culture, proving them to be creative and progressive people. From their humble beginnings as nomads and hunters, the Aztecs began to develop farming techniques to cultivate food and livestock and then to progress in establishing social structure and belief systems. The Aztecs even advanced in astronomy, mathematics and natural sciences to better improve their lifestyle. Despite the fact that the Aztecs were a refined civilization with such a vibrant culture, many textbooks recognize them as an indigenous people when spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés first came into the picture. Cortés’ first appearance astonished and shocked the lives of the Aztec people psychologically and externally. Such a culture shock left the Aztecs unsure of how to approach the arrival of the outlandish spaniards, which caused the slow conquest of the Aztec people. After being defeated by the Spaniards, the Aztec culture and language would undergo dramatic changes by also influencing Spanish culture. For many Chicanos today, many question their origin and true ancestry of their past and wonder who’s blood run through their veins. Whether descending from the Spanish, Aztec, or a mix of many other tribes, modern day Chicanos have been deeply influenced by the choices of the past.

The Aztec first began their history by starting out as nomads a...

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...uld recognize. Although we understand that the Aztec formed their new homeland in Mexico, me must wonder where they even began their journey. Some researchers believe that they originated from somewhere in North America, meaning that their origins would be somewhere in the United States. For many Mexicans, this discovery could mean that they could enter the United States as a way of returning to the homeland to claim a sense of their past. The Aztlan myth has made its appearance in Chicano culture in almost every aspect. To have a sense of membership, Chicanos often put up flags, bumper stickers or even get tattoos to commemorate their heritage and become proud of it. This form of membership and patriotism is crucial for keeping the Chicano culture intact, to have a sense of pride so that future generations of Mexican Americans will not be ashamed of who they are.