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Macuahuitl Obsidian Sword

Type Object Region Mesoamerica Time 1000–1521

The macuahuitl was a wooden broadsword used by Mesoamerican warriors, edged with obsidian blades sharp enough to cut flesh and light armor;…

Timeline

  1. 1000–1325Mesoamerica · MesoamericaWooden swords with obsidian-edged blades developed and spread among the Maya, Toltec, and other civilizations, using Mesoamerica's abundant obsidian sources to make sharp blades fixed into grooves in hardwood sword bodies.
  2. 1325–1461Valley of Mexico · Valley of MexicoAfter the rise of the Aztecs, the macuahuitl became the standard close-combat weapon of the warrior class. Each calpulli community customarily provided weapons for the army, and obsidian blades were made by specialized craftsmen.
  3. 1461–1470Valley of Mexico and surrounding battlefields · MexicoThroughout the decade the alliance continued external campaigns, and the macuahuitl remained the main close-combat weapon of Aztec infantry. Warriors used it in Flower Wars to capture prisoners for sacrifice, and in ordinary battles conquering city-states around the valley's periphery.
  4. 1519–1521Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoIn the Spanish conquest wars, the macuahuitl was of limited effect against conquistadors wearing metal breastplates, as obsidian blades shattered easily against metal. After the conquest the weapon died out along with the Aztec military system.

Sources