Sobre el perfil físico del guerrero mexica. Una aproximación osteobiográfica

Abstract

The construction of the Cemanahuac implied an expansionist policy of the Mexica state, in accordance with the cosmogonic thought that leaded its historical development. Mexica society was organized according to its military efficiency; both young people from the noble sphere, who attended the calmecac, and those from the lower strata, who joined the telpochcalli, received an education that aimed at developing the skills required for war action. The sources mention the training they were subjected to in order to strengthen their character and gain the skills of a warrior.

Studies carried out on Mexica skeletal remains show satisfactory physical conditions of development and a good state of health. The physical profile of a Mexica warrior can be exemplify from current osteoanthropological studies, with a case described in detail, which presents features of great physical strength and traces of trauma from violent confrontations, perhaps related to war activities.

These observations have to do with the physical capacity displayed by the Mexica people, particularly the warriors, at the time of the Hispanic siege of their capital; a stubborn defense was opposed but failed to overcome the adversities of the sociopolitical context that marked this event.