LO: To be able to describe what sort of diet the Aztecs had. EATING LIKE AN AZTEC LO: To be able to describe what sort of diet the Aztecs had.

The Aztecs were very resourceful farmers The Aztecs were very resourceful farmers. The Aztecs could not have become so powerful if their rulers had not organised farming efficiently. During the winter hunger and starvation could be common. When food was scarce the government organised handouts from wealthy nobles to the poor who lined up for their rations. Harvests were always unreliable. Droughts or sudden frosts could wipe out entire crops. Corn and vegetables were vital to survival as the Aztecs did not have enough ‘wild foods’ to go around.

Cocoa beans were used to make chocolate drinks. The deserts and rainforests provided lots of wild foods for the Aztecs. The prickly pear cactus produced a sweet juicy fruit. It was difficult to pick without getting hurt but delicious. Cocoa beans were used to make chocolate drinks. Wild black bees produced honey. This was easy to collect as the bees did not have stings.

The Aztecs had quite a healthy diet although for most ordinary people food was simple. They usually ate corn, ground into flour and cooked as porridge, tortillas (pancakes) or tamales (stuffed dumplings). These basic foods were served with hot spicy bean and vegetable stews.

But what about meat and fish? Did the Aztecs eat those. Yes, of course they did. But not like you and I. Sheep and cows were unheard of so there was no milk or cheese, no beef or lamb. Meat dishes came from wild animals like deer and rabbit. The Aztecs also kept Turkeys and dogs to eat. Armadillos were a special treat. Their flesh was considered a delicacy. Their empty armoured skins could be hollowed out to make musical instruments.

You said they ate fish? What sort? The great lakes in the Aztecs were warm and shallow and an excellent source of food. The Aztecs used spears and nets woven from grass to catch fish, turtles, frogs and lizards. Nets hanging from poles were also used to catch geese and ducks. Freshwater shrimps, tadpoles, fish eggs and insect larvae were also collected for food.

Did they ever eat each other? The Aztecs did eat human flesh – they were cannibals. But this wasn’t the usual meal. As a privilege flesh from enemy captives killed as sacrifices was shared among the families of the warriors who had defeated them. The warriors themselves did not eat it. These meals were to honour the Gods and remind everyone that life was perilous - one day everyone dies.

RICH AND POOR Most Aztecs began with breakfast at about 10am, long after they had begun work. This first meal was usually a bowl of maize porridge called atole, sweetened with honey or spiced with peppers. The Aztecs would work until the sun was at its hottest around 2pm before having their main meal. This was usually tortillas with tomato and bean stew. Men usually ate first whilst women and children had to wait. A rich emperor would have far more, perhaps 30 courses in one meal, including tamales stuffed with meat, snails or fruit, frogs with chilli sauce, beans, sweet potatoes, water fly tortillas, turtles, crabs and frothy chocolate to drink.

TASK Emperor Montezuma has invited some important guests for a huge feast to celebrate his defeat of the neighbouring tribe the Tepanecs. You must design the menu for this feast. MONTEZUMA’S MENU Must have: A selection of starters Some choices for the main course A selection of desserts. Drinks If the emperor is not happy with your menu he will order you to be sacrificed and you might become the main course!!