Aztec Warrior Orders

Timeline

1. c. 1325–1359Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoThe Mexica used the calpulli community as the basic military unit; youths trained in clubs, javelins, and wooden swords at the telpochcalli, marched on campaign organized by community in wartime, and measured merit by the number of captives taken.
2. 1360–1370Tenochtitlan · Valley of MexicoWhile subject to Azcapotzalco, Mexica warriors took part in valley conflicts and captured enemies; those with outstanding achievements were permitted to enter the calmecac for advanced study, beginning the formation of a military elite intertwined with religious priests, preparing talent for the later Eagle and Jaguar warrior orders.
3. c. 1428–1521Valley of Mexico · MexicoDuring the imperial expansion, the Eagle and Jaguar warrior order systems matured; one had to capture four enemies alive on the battlefield to be promoted. Warriors fought wearing animal-head helmets, obsidian-edged wooden swords (macuahuitl), and cotton armor, taking part in flower wars (xochiyaoyotl) to obtain sacrificial captives, and were the symbolic force of Aztec military-religious hegemony.