US EditionArchaeologists reveal vast Aztec trade networks behind ancient obsidian artifacts
- The researchers conducted an analysis of 788 pieces of obsidian recovered from the Templo Mayor, the central temple of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Mexica Empire, in present-day Mexico City.
- The study followed advancements in geochemical compositional analysis that identify obsidian sources via unique chemical fingerprints to explore trade and political networks.
- The study found that almost 90% of the obsidian artifacts originated from deposits in the Sierra de Pachuca region, valued for their distinctive green color and symbolic association with Tollan, while obsidian obtained from multiple other areas, some beyond Mexica territorial control, predominantly supplied items used as tools.
- Lead author Diego Matadamas-Gomora explained that this type of compositional research enables a detailed understanding of how the empire grew, how alliances were formed, and how trading connections developed throughout history, emphasizing the role of market-based exchanges alongside conquest.
- The research reveals a sophisticated Mexica economy reliant on both conquest and long-distance trade, illustrating growing centralization and religious standardization after 1430 CE via obsidian sourcing patterns.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Unprecedented Survey of Aztec Obsidian Reveals Coast-to-Coast Trade Network
The Aztec Empire once hosted an expansive trade network that brought volcanic glass to its capital from right across Mesoamerica, from coast to coast.The largest compositional study of obsidian artifacts found in the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan has now revealed the far-flung influence of the Mexica culture – the largest and most powerful faction of the Aztec Alliance. The 788 precious obsidian objects analyzed include weapons, urns…
Study reveals vast Aztec trade networks
A new study by Tulane University, in collaboration with Mexico’s Proyecto Templo Mayor, reveals new insights into the extensive obsidian trade networks of the Mexica (Aztecs). Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that forms when lava cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. The glass can break to form very sharp edges, making it an ideal material for crafting blades, arrowheads, and ceremonial objects by various Mesoamerican cultur…
Archaeologists reveal vast Aztec trade networks behind ancient obsidian artifacts
New archaeological research by Tulane University and the Proyecto Templo Mayor in Mexico reveals how obsidian—a volcanic glass used for tools and ceremonial objects and one of the most important raw materials in pre-Columbian times—moved across ancient Mesoamerica and shaped life in its capital, Tenochtitlan. The study sheds new light on the economic networks, rituals and political influence of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire.
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