The Aztec Criminal Justice System: Laws, Courts, and Punishment in Tenochtitlan

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the sophisticated legal system of the Aztec Empire, focusing on Tenochtitlan under Moctezuma Ilhuicamina and Moctezuma Xocoyotzin. They discuss the role of the tlatoani as supreme judge, the specialized courts like the teccalli for nobles and the tlacxitlan for commoners, and the strict codified laws covering theft, adultery, drunkenness, and rebellion. Lucas explains how the Calpulli councils handled minor disputes, while capital crimes were judged by the cihuacoatl and other high officials. They also cover the severe punishments, including death by garrote, stoning, or sacrifice for nobles, and the famous law that inebriated nobles could be executed while commoners faced only first-offense leniency. The episode draws on sources like the Florentine Codex and Codex Mendoza to reveal how Aztec justice aimed at deterrence and public order, reflecting a complex society with clear hierarchies. #AztecLaw #Tenochtitlan #Moctezuma #FlorentineCodex #CodexMendoza #tlatoani #cihuacoatl #teccalli #calpulli #macehualtin #pipiltin #Mesoamerica #AztecEmpire #LegalHistory #CriminalJustice #History #FexingoHistory #PreColumbian Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo