A groundbreaking study by Tulane University and Mexico’s Proyecto Templo Mayor has uncovered the extensive trade networks of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire through the analysis of 788 obsidian artifacts. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research highlights how this volcanic glass, used for tools and rituals, shaped the economic and political landscape of ancient Mesoamerica.
The study focused on artifacts excavated from the Templo Mayor, the heart of the Mexica Empire in Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City). While green obsidian from Sierra de Pachuca dominated the findings, comprising nearly 90% of ceremonial objects, the team identified materials from at least seven other sources, including regions beyond the empire’s control, such as Ucareo in Purépecha territory.
Key findings revealed that non-ritual tools were sourced from diverse locations, suggesting a thriving market system rather than state-controlled acquisition. “Obsidian tools reached the capital through trade, not just conquest,” explained lead author Diego Matadamas-Gomora, emphasizing the sophistication of Mexica commerce.
The research also tracked shifts in obsidian use over time. Early phases (1375 CE) showed greater diversity, but after 1430 CE, ritual objects became exclusively tied to Sierra de Pachuca, reflecting centralized religious and political control.
“By studying these artifacts, we can trace the movement of goods and the evolution of imperial power,” said Matadamas-Gomora. Co-author Jason Nesbitt added, “This work showcases how archaeological science unlocks secrets of ancient cultural practices.”
The study not only illuminates the Mexica Empire’s economic reach but also demonstrates the power of modern techniques like portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) in archaeology. Future research may further unravel how trade and politics intertwined in pre-Columbian societies.
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