Mexica: A History Podcast

07/08/2026

Our website has a range of information and maps, from conquest history and ancient springs to archeological mysteries.

I do have ads, not too aggressive, I hope. Thank you for your support of the podcast. Have a couple more episodes in development.

Formal name: CuauhtemoctzinLife: 1502-February 28, 1525Reign: 1520-1525Name: diving eaglePlace of Birth: Tenochtitlan or TlatelolcoDeath: Itzamkanac, Tabasco, hung by Cortes.

04/08/2026

CREATOR HIGHLIGHT: Aztec Empire - graphic novel.

As I was writing Mexica, I found lots of other Aztec-related creators and I wanted to feature a few. First off are two of the best behind the graphic novel Aztec Empire; writer Paul Guinan and artist David Hahn. If my podcast were a graphic novel I could only hope it would turn out as amazing as this.

Aztec Empire brings it all to life through Hahn's historically accurate illustrations paired with Guinan's deeply sourced quotes and storylines, it is a masterwork of historical art. Follow the behind-the-scenes decisions in both the Castilian camp and that of the "Aztecs" and their Triple Alliance partners from Cortes' arrival through the Noche Triste.

https://www.facebook.com/aztecempiregraphicnovel

The incredible but true story of the fall of the Aztec Empire, told in graphic novel form by Paul Guinan and David Hahn.
Read for FREE at BigRedHair.com

24/05/2026

The Acuecuexco Aqueduct (from Coyoacan to Tenochtitlan) has sparked several myths, including that of a flood that ended the rule of an Aztec king.

In the Churubusco neighborhood of Coyoacan there were a number of springs that watered the indigenous communities there. Tenochtitlan's Tlatoani Ahuitzotl, in a desire to feed his growing city, asked to use the water from Coyoacan, and the Acuecuexco spring, among others. Tzutzuman, ruler of Coyoaca...

16/05/2026

Each episode page has one "Historical Breakdown" section where I compare historical accounts. In episode 1 I examine the appearance of Moctezuma as described by the various people who wrote about him.

In Episode 1, we meet the Emperor Moctezuma and learn about some of his habits and beliefs. The Tlatelolco Market comes to life and we walk the streets of Tenochtitlan. Part 1 – Tlatoani Moctezuma Moctezuma was the ruler, or Tlatoani, of the Mexica people and their capital city Tenochtitlan.…

15/05/2026

1700s spiritualist & advisor to Elizabeth I of England, John Dee, had numerous obsidian mirrors in his possession, including one determined to be of Central Mexican origin. Cortes & the Annals of Tlatelolco list mirrors in the "Great Treasure" presented to Cortes at the dunes of Veracruz in 1519.

Much of that shipment was sent to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and was put on public display in Germany before being inventoried and much of it lost. It is possible that Dee's mirror was looted from the "Aztecs." But these mirrors were not unique to the Mexica/Aztecs and similar mirrors would have been available to elites across time and geography. Images via wikicommons.

More info on the Great Treasure of Montezuma: https://mexicapodcast.com/great-treasure-of-moctezuma/

10/05/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who keep their families moving - the world wouldn't spin without you.

21/03/2026

Tzompantli skull racks were common in mesoamerica. Recent archeology has uncovered the skull rack in Tenochtitlan, a massive structure that spanned the foot of the Templo Mayor.

The Spanish saw several tzompantli in other places, including the small town of Ixtacamaxtitlán.

02/03/2026

This stone ring in Cempoala reportedly served as the sleeping area for the Spaniards when they stayed here in 1519.

Other narratives indicate they were hosted in the palaces nearby. It's likely the hundreds of men slept in both places.

In 1520, Cempoala was the scene of Spanish on Spanish violence when Cortes returned to Cempoala from Tenochtitlan to confront Panfilo Narvaez, who was sent to reign Cortes in.

01/03/2026

The first ruler of the Aztecs, Acamapichtli.