Aztec Weapons were much different from the weapons of their European enemies. However, for their location, they had some of the best weapons and armor in the region. Their weapons were based on the ability to be quick and mobile rather than powerful.
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Projectile Weapons
Atlatl: The Atlatl was a tool that helped propel a spear. The Aztec Warriors who carried them fought on the front lines and carried many long spears with them. An efficient Atlatl could hurl many spears into the enemy with deadly accuracy. This gave ancient warriors a longer range.
The Aztec's spears were approximately 6 feet long and were tipped with obsidian.
Bow and Arrow: The Bow and Arrow have been a weapon in warfare in every country around the world. Each country developed their own special units that were a marksman with this weapon, and the Aztecs were not an exception to this.
The Aztecs bow and arrow was called a tlahhuitolli. It was similar to most bows and arrows, and Aztec warriors would carry a quiver full of about 20 arrows.
Like spears, the Aztec tlahhuitolli were tipped with obsidian.
Sling: The sling was another popular weapon in Aztec warfare, and it looked similar to slings you would find anywhere in the world. Aztec auxiliary warriors would often march with a sling, and along the way to the battlefield, they would pick up sharp rocks that could be hurled at the enemy.
A warrior that was proficient with the sling could do much damage to their enemies. The rock could be whipped hard enough to puncture armor and break lines.
Blowguns: This weapon was not one that you would find much on the battlefield, but Aztecs did use it for ambushes and more of their guerrilla tactics.
Blowguns were often used in hunting, and the ammunition used was poisonous darts. The darts were dipped in tree frog secretions.
Melee Weapons
Clubs: Many Aztec warriors used clubs for hand-to-hand combat.
When one hears "club," they probably have this visual of a caveman with a large wood club. Aztec clubs were deadly. They were tipped with obsidian and could easily decapitate a man. They were razor-sharp and one of the most feared weapons in Mexico before the Spanish Conquistadors arrived.
An Aztec club was called a cuahuitl. It was shaped like a baton and topped with a rock or copper sphere.
Spears: Spears were used in long-range and short-range combat. They were called tepoztopilli and had obsidian points.
In the hands of an experienced warrior, the spear was deadly at a medium range. It allowed the warriors to attack without getting close enough to be engaged with a shorter weapon.
Axes: Axes were called itztopilli and had a sharp side made of copper and stone and a blunt side. These were a bit more cumbersome to use but were powerful weapons that could break through some armor.
Daggers: Aztec daggers were called tecaptl. They were double-sided weapons and used in close hand-to-hand combat.
Armor
Shield: Warriors carried a round shield for protection. The shield was primarily used for defense but could be used as an offensive weapon.
Each shield was decorated with insignia, and the insignia signified the rank of the warrior.
Body Armor: Most of the armor that Aztecs used was rudimentary compared to the Europeans. Their armor was based on protection but allowed the freedom of movement.
Their armor was made of cotton and soaked in salt brine, and hung to dry. This gave the armor the ability to resist obsidian blades.
To protect their head, they often worse wooden helmets that were carved to represent their society.