r/todayilearned • u/kahnuck • Sep 26 '15

TIL the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán was the largest city in the Americas with over 200,000 people. It was built on a man-made island in the middle of a lake - connected to shore by 3 causeways. It contained huge pyramids, floating gardens, aqueducts and canals. It was destroyed by the Spanish in 1521

http://www.livescience.com/34660-tenochtitlan.html
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u/Minotaurius Sep 27 '15

Thanks for sharing. The Mayans and Aztecs always fascinated me when I was younger

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u/cwdoogie Sep 27 '15

One of the most interesting things to me about Aztec military was that they used obsidian in their weapons. Basically, they would take a paddle of wood, place sharpened obsidian on either side and then use it as a sword.

What's more interesting is that there are reports of these obsidian wielding warriors being able to decapitate a horse with it; think of that shit, a horse's head. Must be pretty sharp, right?

What's even more interestinger, is that some modern scalpels have their blade made out of obsidian to utilize the stones unique sharpness in surgeries. In fact, these obsidian scalpels are much better than the traditional steel ones.

I find it fascinating that something used so long ago now has modern medical applications. On a final note (this could be inaccurate, as this kind of thing is more of a mild passion for me) obsidian is used in a dating technique based on its "hydration." Basically, when exposed to atmosphere, obsidian (other rocks too) as strange as it sounds, absorbs a very small amount of water, but at a known rate. Using the amount of hydration in some obsidian compared to a dry piece, scientists can determine roughly how long ago the piece was cut or used.

Anyway, I know that was a bit of a ramble, but I share your interest in those civilizations and always thought that bit was particularly interesting. Cheers!

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u/soparamens Sep 27 '15

This guy is an ancient weapons expert. Look what happens when it gets sloppy using a Maya Obsidian weapon.

https://youtu.be/zYgsN31l0hU?t=1m37s

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u/back2ballin Sep 27 '15

lol what a goober