Tepoztopilli facts for kids
The tepoztopilli was a powerful weapon used by the Aztecs. It was a type of polearm, which means it had a long handle like a spear. This weapon was very important for Aztec warriors fighting on the front lines.
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What Was the Tepoztopilli?
The tepoztopilli was a long weapon, often as tall as a person. Some historians say they could be anywhere from 3 to 7 feet long. It had a wooden head shaped like a wedge.
How Was It Made?
The wooden head of the tepoztopilli had sharp blades made from obsidian. Obsidian is a natural glass that can be extremely sharp. These blades were carefully placed into grooves carved into the wood. They were held in place with a sticky material like bitumen (a type of tar) or plant resin.
How Was It Used?
The tepoztopilli was a bit like the macuahuitl, another Aztec weapon. However, the tepoztopilli had a much longer handle and a smaller cutting edge. Its long reach was a big advantage in battle. Warriors could stand a bit further back and still hit their enemies. They could use it to slash or to thrust, like a spear.
A famous Spanish explorer, Bernal Díaz del Castillo, wrote about fighting the Aztecs. He said that an Aztec lance, likely a tepoztopilli, once pierced his armor. Luckily, his thick cotton padding saved his life. This shows how strong and dangerous the tepoztopilli was.
The Last Tepoztopilli
Sadly, the very last real tepoztopilli was lost a long time ago. It was kept in the Armería Real in Madrid, Spain. In 1884, a fire destroyed this important piece of history.
See also
In Spanish: Tepoztopilli para niños
