Aztec god of fire, Xiuhtecuhtli carrying atlatl
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Atlatl and Dart The Atlatl was one of the most powerful and feared Aztec weapons of all, used by skilled and elite warriors to propel projectiles with immense accuracy while maintaining ferocious power. The Aztecs commenced almost every battle by barraging their opponents with a rain of deadly darts launched from the Atlatl, to take down as many victims as possible before engaging in melee combat. In fact, the Atlatl offered such lethal accuracy, velocity, and distance that this weapon was favoured by the noble Aztecs, and considered only for elite use. These works of military genius were often elaborately decorated with images of religious and mythical importance.
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Yaomime and Mixiquipilli, Tematlatls Though the arrow and bow and the sling were considered as weapons for commoners, Aztecs were also extremely skilled with these weapons. The Aztec bow and arrow were tipped with obsidian or flint, and only pre-selected stones of a certain shape and shape were used with Aztec slings to allow for the most deadly velocity. Both were simple, yet feared by enemies.
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Eagle Warriors and Jaguar Warriors wielding Macuahuitl
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MacuahuitlOf all the Aztec weapons, the Spanish Conquistadors were said to have feared the macuahuitl the most- and for good reason. This sword-like weapon was usually made with strong wood, like oak, and "garnished" with obsidian blades that dug and tore into the flesh of the victim. The macuahuitl ranged from a ferocious three feet to over four feet in length. Though these "swords" could not thrust, for the tips were not bladed, experienced Aztec warriors knew how to wield them expertly. Without a doubt, these swords were simplistic, yet killer devices.
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Tepoztopilli and Cuauhololli
Besides the Macuahuitl, the most preferred Aztec close-range weapon, the Tepoztopilli (a thrusting spear) and the Cuauhololli (a club) were often used in battle. The spear was tipped with sharpened stone blades, but wasn't effective when enemies came too close. The club was usually wooden with a spherical end, excellent for bludgeoning and delivering crushing blows. Sometimes, clubs were lined with blades to mimic the Macuahuitl.
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Tepoztopilli (Aztec Thrusting Spear)
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