Why Were 42 Children Sacrificed in Mexico? Research Suggests Aztecs Offered Them to This God

Mexico City – Human history contains many dark chapters, one unfolding in 15th-century Mexico. Archaeologists have recently unearthed new evidence shedding light on the mass sacrifice of children by the Aztecs. This gruesome event was likely an offering to the rain god Tlaloc. According to findings presented at the National College of Mexico, this ritual occurred during extreme drought between 1452 and 1454.

The Aztecs, a civilization known for its complex culture and powerful empire, also practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious beliefs. These sacrifices were seen as a way to appease the gods and secure their favor in times of crisis. In this case, the crisis was a severe drought that left the region struggling to survive.

Discovery of the Remains: Evidence of a Grim Past

The chilling story came to light in the 1980s when archaeologists uncovered the skeletal remains of at least 42 children aged 2 to 7 years in a temple in present-day Mexico City. These remains were found in ash-filled boxes resting on a layer of sand. Some children wore necklaces, while others had stone beads in their mouths. The condition of their bodies, including shriveled limbs, suggests they may have endured harsh conditions before their deaths.

According to new research presented at the Ninth Liberation Through Knowledge Meeting: “Water and Life” at the National College, these sacrifices were likely made to honor Tlaloc, the god of rain, hoping to end the devastating drought. Tlaloc was a central figure in Aztec mythology, believed to control rain, fertility, and agricultural abundance. His wrath was thought to bring droughts, floods, and other natural disasters.

Sacrifices During a Drought Crisis

Leonardo López Luján, director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History, explained that the sacrifices occurred during a great famine that coincided with one of the most severe droughts in the region’s history. Initially, the Aztec state attempted to alleviate the famine by distributing grain from the royal granary. However, as the drought persisted, the situation grew more desperate.

With dwindling resources and growing societal pressure, the Aztecs turned to their religious practices, including worshiping and sacrificing to the gods. “For some time, the state managed to mitigate the effects of the tragedy,” said López Luján. “But as the crisis deepened, it allowed people to migrate to other regions.” This migration indicated the severe strain on society caused by the prolonged drought.

The Role of Tlaloc in Aztec Religion

Tlaloc held a significant place in the Aztec pantheon. Often depicted as a god with goggle-like eyes and fangs, he was associated with water, fertility, and sustenance. The Aztecs believed his favor was essential for agricultural prosperity, and his anger could result in natural calamities.

Child sacrifice was a specific ritual linked to Tlaloc. According to Aztec belief, children’s tears were mighty in invoking rain, making them the chosen offerings during water scarcity. The ceremony was not just a plea for rain but a demonstration of devotion and desperation. It showed the gods that the Aztecs were willing to give their most precious members—children—to secure survival.

Insights from Geological and Historical Data

The researchers studied various sources to understand the context of the mass sacrifice, including geological data and historical records from the Mexican Drought Atlas. Their findings confirmed a severe drought that struck central Mexico between 1452 and 1454 during King Moctezuma I’s rule.

López Luján explained that this drought likely impacted the region’s agriculture in multiple ways. “Every indication shows that the drought in early summer would have affected the germination, growth, and flowering of plants,” he said. “Meanwhile, the autumn frost would have further damaged the corn crops.” These factors created a dire situation for the Aztec people, who relied heavily on agriculture.

Rituals Born of Desperation

As the drought persisted, the Aztecs performed increasingly elaborate rituals to appease Tlaloc and his assistants. The children chosen for sacrifice were often adorned with ceremonial objects, highlighting their role as great value offerings. The presence of stone beads in their mouths and necklaces around their necks suggests the ritual was carried out meticulously, reflecting the high stakes in seeking divine intervention.

These sacrifices also served a societal purpose, uniting the community in a collective act of faith and devotion. While horrifying by modern standards, such practices were deeply ingrained in the Aztec worldview, which saw human life as interconnected with the divine forces governing the natural world.

A Legacy of Complexity

The story of these sacrifices reveals the complexities of Aztec society, where advanced knowledge of agriculture, architecture, and astronomy coexisted with rituals of unimaginable brutality. It also underscores the profound impact of environmental crises on human behavior and belief systems.

While the remains of these children serve as a sad reminder of the lengths societies can go in times of desperation, they also provide valuable insights into the resilience and resourcefulness of ancient cultures. The sacrifices to Tlaloc, though tragic, illustrate how deeply humans have always sought to understand and influence the forces of nature.

In modern times, this history continues to captivate researchers and the public alike, prompting reflection on the intersection of culture, faith, and survival in the face of adversity.

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