How to Be an Aztec Warrior

Imagine that you are growing up in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. The highestgoal in your society for a young man is to be a successful warriorthat is whatyou ... » 

Imagine that you are growing up in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. The highestgoal in your society for a young man is to be a successful warriorthat is whatyou want to be How do you become a warrior? Do you have what it takes?The reader will learn exactly what the requirements for being an Aztec warriorare. What kind of families do warriors come from? What kind of training do theyget? Boys were educated by their fathers until the age of 10. Military trainingtook place in calpolli schoolsschools run by closely related family groups.Warfare was considered a religious duty by the Aztec. They fought not only toenlarge their empire but also to take prisoners to sacrifice to the gods. Menwho took many captives were rewarded. They received land high social rank andimportant government offices.What kind of weapons will you use? Aztec methods of combat were designed tocapture prisoners rather than to kill. The chief weapon was a wooden club edgedwith sharp pieces of obsidian volcanic glass. This weapon called amacuahuitl was effective for disabling an opponent without killing him. TheAztecs also used bows and arrows and spears. A spearthrowing device called anatlatl increased the range and force of their spears. For protection warriorscarried shields and wore padded cotton armor. Did you know youll have to payfor your own armor? But you wont pay with money since the Aztecs had nosystem of money as we know it. Youll barter instead.What sort of military campaigns will you take part in? Well you wont travelfar from home because the Aztecs used the wheel only in toys and had no horsesor other beasts of burden to carry their gear. And mostbattles lasted only afew days.Will you be married? Where will you live? How will you advance in rank? All ofyour questions will be answered to prepare you for the job interview section atthe end of the booka clever way to test if you are ready to become an Aztecwarrior «