The Aztecs: Part 1

Dr. Roy Casagranda dives into Aztec culture and history to first establish what culture and life was like in the Valley of Mexico and then to explain the rise of the short lived Aztec Empire. In part 1 he gets to 1519 AD.
Roy's Commentary: I dedicate this lecture to Dr. Ken Brown and Dr. Quetzil Casteneda. Also go now and read Inga Clendinnen's book, The Aztecs www.amazon.com...
At one point I get stuck on the original four suns of the Creation Myth. They were, in order, earth, wind, fire, and water.

[@colerthanu0]

This man reminds me of my best days of college. When a smart person just took the time to explain a topic. He doesn’t just give the facts, but the context that makes them history. Amazing lectures

[@hollybug-76542]

Check out Heather Cox Richardson.. love her lectures and have learned so much.

[@CentralValleyKings]

It’s almost like he loves his job and is really fascinated by the history and culture that he is keeping alive by his story telling

[@davehasenford3985]

He doesn’t just give you the facts. He makes up a lot of BS too

[@StreamClipFactory]

Great explanation

[@magustacrae]

Agree! My professor like him at UT in the 80s was Brian Levak (History). I'm sure there are some lectures out here in KZbin land 😉👊

[@TahaAlZadjali]

This man thinks im learning something, but im actually enjoying this lecture. This is better than Netflix for me.

[@tcveatch]

Imagine if learning were fun, how powerful and capable could you become?

[@vgames6792]

"Russians doing human waves in Ukraine" 🤡- either he is a illiterate, or he is lying for purpose/propaganda.

[@tempioxavo]

Yeah...that is learning

[@abumuhammadalhindi6895]

Learning is meant to be enjoyable - so the professor is successful.

[@farhadzada3162]

This is what exactly happens to me 😅

[@SimonRushton]

Love this channel, found it via TikTok and can’t get enough of his lectures

[@trevinmartin6149]

same

[@camerongrogan1]

Same same. Incredible lectures

[@nobaso620]

Me too

[@evanstrain9105]

Same. Came here to say this. His lectures are addictive!

[@vtl_art3393]

Same

[@KJ-rm3je]

This video is the reason I love being an adult. Listening to a topic no one is forcing me to learn

[@jeronimocarrillo]

This guy is a fraud

[@abuzaben]

It’s always a good day when prof. Roy uploads a lecture, haircut is awesome too.

[@MotuBiral]

I miss the long hair tho 😢

[@shahzaibkhan7748]

Need more frequent lectures.

[@Duhveed777]

Fr he’s looking fresh 😈😈😈

[@egay86292]

can't be too straight.

[@sharonhoerr6523]

@@MotuBiral Not me, his hair looks SO much better now than when it was just shaggy.

[@test-ws7sg]

He is a dream teacher.Watching his lectures for last 4 years. I'm from India, an electrical engineer.

[@breezeanonymous6034]

Do you think anyone on KZbin cares if you are electrical engineer from somewhere? Lol

[@1TUFZ71]

​@breezeanonymous6034 I find it fascinating that we have something in common to talk about from the other side of the world and would never even know it. Better question is why would anyone care that you don't care?? 🤡

[@TayTaypalmundo]

i care, he's on the other side of the world and studies a completely different profession, which is a testament to how good the teacher is. I'm watching from Colorado and work construction. @@breezeanonymous6034

[@benbyrd4513]

Where can i find more of his lectures in full?

[@test-ws7sg]

@@benbyrd4513 youtube.com/@TheAustinSchool?si=YQbprOUVMCKYJDt0

[@Bry.wood92]

I had a teacher like this in 2nd grade that was big on history And sparked my interest in history ever since . I was a bad student my whole life but My grades were all Ds and Fs Except for history class I always had an A God bless students of history

[@jeremy-avar]

I am 1000% impressed with your ability to recall names.

[@vasil12361]

Too bad he has zero clue about correct pronunciation of Nahutl. This guy is mostly full of shit.

[@WinstonGriffith-o9r]

Some things that are still up for debate he states as fact, but the presentation (name recall, metaphors, etc) are definitely well done

[@ahmadniazrahman7461]

I wanna go to Austin one day to fill one of those empty chairs. Professor Roy you've been a beacon of truth and a real influencer in my life. Thank you.

[@alondracabrera-quiara698]

Totally feel the same!

[@lA-tv1qt]

The day TikTok or KZbin knows about Prof Roy his videos will garner millions of views for the next 20 years.

[@wolvycrusher]

TikTok has found it, it’s begun

[@tarrie8937]

I came here from tiktok😂

[@StefBOfficial11]

I came from tiktok

[@omarmansour_]

God bless Dr. Roy Casagranda !!! MashaAllah I love how he brings forward his knowledge in such a captivating manner. It feels like Im listening to a story rather than watching a classroom lecture. Please upload more !! Jazak Allah khayr Dr. Roy (May God rewards you for this beautiful impact)

[@anthonykelly1649]

it's ironic how you mention deities 3 times when recommending an atheist's perpesctive

[@omarmansour_]

@@anthonykelly1649 what 3 deities? Allah means The God in Arabic language. But still wondering where you saw a third one. And what makes you think its an atheist perspective? Dr Roy never mentioned in this lecture that this universe (a creation) doesn't have a creator (Allah). Sure he mentioned the Mexicans gods but hes just narrating what was their beliefs.

[@tamayaytam]

Why do you always have to bring up your God when you speak? Does your religion need advertising? Just say good and informative lecture and beat it.

[@omarmansour_]

@@tamayaytam It never hurts to wish anyone blessings. I also never mentioned what my religion is, i just spoke in my native language, although if I had said "God bless you" which is the same thing but in English im pretty sure you would've scrolled over my comment. And why do you have to hate and lecture me? Cant I say what I want? Damn, im just wishing someone good things, im not promoting hate like you against Arabic and Islam. And no Islam doesnt need advertising Alhamdulillah there is over 1.5 billion Muslim in this word and InshaAllah this number will only keep growing. Anyways ignorants will always be hating instead of learning. I see you are Turkish. I pray for the people of Turkiye and may Allah grant Jannah to everyone that died from the earthquake and may Allah protect everyone alive. I hope your loved ones are safe and healthy.

[@mohamed.montaser]

@@tamayaytam Why do you always have to comment? Do you need self advertising and attention so badly? Just scroll and ignore the post and beat it.

[@ahmdf]

You can always count on Dr. Casagranda to make it engaging and interesting. You can tell he's passionate about everything he teaches and that this is not just a job to him.

[@houm7571]

You are a library of knowledge. It's a privilege to be able to have access to it.

[@agoveli9537]

I could listen to this guy explain paint drying and I would still be captivated by his story telling abilities

[@raginald7mars408]

King Big House Addict! Illegal!

[@ItsLoozh]

Can’t freaking believe that I was intrigued, captivated and hooked on this lecture. I seen the entire video without interruption. This was fantastic

[@faisalchehab]

I wish I had a professor as amazing as him ! I watch a lot of his lectures, very well spoken teachings. Thank you for your Great Work !

[@akmalmard1617]

Better sense of humour then from majority of top tier standup comedians, on top of honesty and great knowledge.thank you for uploading

[@WanderwithKabul]

My goodness Dr Casagranda. I am so fortunate to be one of the first few to be listening to your new topic. You are a walking talking encyclopedia and your storytelling style captures my imagination every time I listen to you. Keep up the amazing work. All the best.

[@armandoramos447]

I feel like I’m in college again. Watching a human being talk so passionately about history. The amount of context made this lecture that much valuable. As a Mexican, it feels good to know a little more about this part of Mexico’s history.

[@AyoubusMagnus]

I m from Morocco and I would travel all the way to the US to attend to doctor Casagranda

[@mohdnaghawi981]

One of the best professors on earth . Thank you for teaching us more than of our doctors during university!

[@kenwinschel1018]

I could listen to you speak all day long! Love your passion for history and knowledge!

[@hmmjaber]

Absolutely love Dr Roy's lectures. He brings history alive.

[@Incandescence555]

Amazing, i'll never forget this lecture - even though my degree was in Spanish & Portuguese, I learnt tons from and I am very grateful. God bless you.

[@OliBandDaFunkyBunch]

I was watching his shorts for a while and very happy to find a full channel on a boring monday. God bless Mexico and the algorithm!

[@Ismail-Yahya]

Yes! Another talk by Professor Casagranda!!!!! Please please please keep these talks coming! ❤from 🇬🇧 P.S. loving the new subject and the hairstyle Professor 😁

[@sonarbangla8711]

I sure hope he talks about China, Harappa and Egyptian history. I wonder how he can talk for hours without any script, his memory must be like micro soft/computer.

[@Ismail-Yahya]

@@sonarbangla8711 Harappa is a great topic! Maybe he could explore South Asian history, covering the lives of Tipu Sultan and how the British took over the country during the time of the British East India Company

[@sonarbangla8711]

@@Ismail-Yahya Roy wants to break open the knots that is central to south Asia, like the Arian-Dravidian/Harappan script and such knots, then he surely will dig deep into the mysteries of the topic.

[@SimonRushton]

This guy is my new best lecturer,l I love his Enthusiasm when he tells the stories.

[@xikano8573]

My educational trajectory would've been different had I had this man as a professor. I love how he integrates so much into his lectures - ALL WITHOUT NOTES!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@ramzpehlivan7157]

I literally saved this the moment it came out to listen to while at work…and I have to say, it’s given me life. Thank you so much Professor, you lectures never disappoint…if school kids had you as a teacher there’d be more history graduates than accountants 😂

[@volkerschad6143]

Thank you Dr. Casagranda for this intellectual fireworks. Your lectures are so tremendously valuable and inspiring.

[@mohdnaghawi981]

Best teacher ever such an amazing story telling gift ! Much respect from jordan 🇯🇴🇯🇴

[@maynarddelrosario2205]

I have been binge watching doc….more please. Excellent imagery of history. Doc gives narratives to forgotten past. More!!!!!

[@hezayat]

Thanks!

[@joshnieboer3947]

Its so helpful that this guys voice is not annoying

[@myistuhjones]

Roy Casagranda is absolutely jaw dropping incredible. As a kid who thought about becoming a history professor, YOU ARE MY HERO

[@sheryn61]

Always looking forward to new lectures by dr. Casangrada.

[@filhanislamictv8712]

Thank you Proffesor. you Make me aspire to be a History Proffesor like you.

[@sv9818]

I'm Mexican (living in Mexico City); I love to read about my country's history and I know a lot about it. Dr. Casagranda's description of the treatment of prisoners of war by the Aztecs is pure fiction.

[@crunchtimewalkthroughs2141]

Can you recommend any books on this topic?

[@sv9818]

@@crunchtimewalkthroughs2141 Check the books of Miguel de Leon Portilla, a Mexican anthropologist and one of the greatest experts in Aztec/Mexica culture. You could also read Fray Bernardino de Sahagún (a Spanish missionary from the time of the conquest) it's extremely interesting. He learned to speak Nahuatl (the Aztec language), transcribing a lot of the ancient customs and traditions. He also captured the Indigenous people's perspective on the conquest.

[@crunchtimewalkthroughs2141]

@@sv9818 wow, that all sounds very interesting. Thank you for giving such great sources!

[@gladivsvii7120]

I´m spanish, and i agree, this man is a Hollywood liar. He presents the story in a very interesting but unrealistic way.

[@gracielarodriguezcanalizo4446]

Lamentablemente lo que escuchamos es totalmente cierto, los Mexicas eran antropófagos

[@alfredobanuelos4730]

Being Mexican, I’ve always been fascinated with the history of the Americas. Especially since it’s not covered in public schools. Great lecture. Lots to think about.

[@YouGotOptions2]

Thee American continent

[@hooverhenry795]

YES ANOTHER LECTURE! thank you. please upload more if possible. all your work is much appreciated (all involved in this austin school)

[@Penny-vq6bp]

I can listen to Dr. Roy Casagranda all day never a dull moment.

[@katscottj2980]

This is like when I used to binge on history channel, but factually and historically accurate. I love these so much you renewed my love of history

[@ericksanudo9576]

Thank you, Dr. Roy Casagranda, what a marvelous approach to ancient (and current) history. I'm all in,

[@boozycruze7679]

he genuinely loves world history and im binging on everything i can find on him.

[@valpostreetart]

I've spent well over 20 hours listening to the doc. Amazing.

[@justagaragehack347]

I enjoy your lectures. We don’t always agree, but that is why I watch your videos. You challenge my thoughts and beliefs.

[@ashertrades]

I love these lectures so much. I wish I’d had a professor like this in college. Thank you for these!

[@andrewfalconer8599]

This man has a gift and has a talent for communicating information. I never knew how difficult "slash and burn" was as an agricultural technique. No one ever explained it like that to me before, and I studied history as an undergrad.

[@omegabash]

This notification brought a smile to my face. Waiting for part 2!

[@danielrevelo3809]

Hearing this while traveling Culhuacán (just like 3 train stations wide) is such a mind blow

[@ssn215]

I always enjoy listening to the professor i cant wait till you post up the 1st part of the 4 part lecture you did last year

[@slangeslangen6264]

Just found this guy. THANK YOU Dr.Roy, i love you

[@Hashirama_Sinju]

Got addicted to listening to this Dr.

[@evanlarson9202]

I would go back to school if all the lectures were even close to this interesting.

[@quetzelmedina3]

Lol this “lecture” is mostly bullshit… you’d learn more from doing your own research for 15 minutes…

[@buguibangui]

This guy makes me rethink social media, incredible how we can waste our time with kids or even grown up people vomiting non content, but at same time gives us oportunity to have master class like this. Im redoing my floor while hearing this. Brilliant. Thank you so much

[@zero-nolimit3402]

The great thing here, that it’s only Part 1... can’t wait 😊

[@neverdie8]

I love this guy!! Thank u for all the teaching

[@bradleymoore6293]

I could literally listen to this guy all day. Fantastic, would recommend. 14/10

[@qudhachure9598]

I couldn’t believe that I saw this I love the story telling of this guy

[@lenabuekenhoudt2795]

Yessss please do a part 2 however long it takes! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@dmill1136]

Just found him today. Third lecture today. Dan Carlin, Hardcore History, is another great listen.

[@dannyferguson9415]

Thank you so much Dr. Roy!

[@kaitolumiere24]

Amazing lecture! Who would have guessed the “savages” were not as savage as we were taught in public schools compared to the “righteous”

[@argelioolivares631]

He tries to punch up in every lecture so 10 to 15 percent take with a grain of salt

[@nailil5722]

Aztecs were indeed savages. This guy is trying too hard to paint them as some kind of enlightened society.

[@sidlvaga]

Brilliant! Such a fun way to learn with such professor

[@Bscott-390]

I wish I could study under him. I can't believe I just listened to this entire thing. Absolutely fascinating. There is a part 2

[@InTheRhettRow]

Would love if Dr Roy would do more lectures on prehistory.

[@alejandrogarcia3227]

Most of his stuff is misinformation....

[@jamesmortensen3438]

Your lectures are AMAZING! i want to see them all!!!

[@jackgonzalez1410]

Thank you for that information. I can’t wait for part 2.

[@mohammedgrinou8410]

finally! the moment i've been waiting for! cant wait for part2

[@guy5140]

Wool is great for temperature control. Keeps you cool in heat and warm in the cold

[@BlazingiZZi]

Reporting from Malaysia thank you for the lecture prof!

[@zackissa9147]

Looking forward to seeing more, keep up the good work and wish you good health!

[@friendofyoda5194]

What an incredible teacher, love Dr. Casagranda.

[@seandawson2335]

It appears there is some argument over whether Aztec weapons were designed to kill or merely to maim enemies in order to capture them. However, I’m not able to find ANY references that say the Aztecs went into battle unarmed and just wrestled the other side to the ground. There is TONS of information on the diverse weapons of the Aztecs to include TONS of Aztec art with soldiers carrying weapons.

[@titoburritoisthebestcommun6738]

It’s because it’s untrue. Aztecs fought battles with weapons with the intention of killing. They used a variety of battle field strategies including complex ones like feigned retreat, and they were organized in ordered professional matter. Cassandra’s account of unarmed wrestling is baffling. And people are unfortunately misled being needlessly. Beware lectures who speak on topics they are not experts in and/or who do not regularly offer references.

[@seandawson2335]

@@titoburritoisthebestcommun6738 well said

[@brianphillips1864]

Prof you have motivated me to learn much much more about this area. Muchas grats.

[@aishaabdella968]

I wait his lectures more than any other

[@v1nc3nt_bl4ck4]

You’re telling me I have to wait a year for part 2, damn. The wait gone be worth it but I really wanted to learn more

[@mikestorck]

This was such a great lecture, I'll be looking up more of his stuff.

[@timtom9503]

As always, an absolute treat!

[@albertvandeventer6406]

As always, thank you so much for the education Dr. Roy!

[@shuaibyoub]

I play this lecture and his WW1 & 2 on repeat. Amazing historian

[@brennac.mabrouk8789]

Indigeneous medicine still exists. We knew that chewing willow bark would actually get rid of a headache. Scientifically I believe it has a compound like aspirin, so you weren't off the mark. You're an AWESOME teacher. I'm learning so many facts. Thank you

[@catocall7323]

Aspirin is a derivative compound from willow bark

[@mooronice]

Amazing! I wish references were shared. I have been doing research for years and I am very thirsty for sources. Great work!

[@jocelynsilva9596]

This lecture was absolutely incredible!

[@DouglasMcLaurin]

Love your lectures! Just want to chime in about the Paquime culture of Chihuahua: they introduced macaws from the Yucatan into the Chihuahuan desert...before the Mexicas introduced the birds you mentioned.

[@sw59sd]

Thank you Dr Roy .. excellent lecture

[@Vigilante1810]

Great lecture by Dr. Gasagranda. I think around 1:15:00, there is something relevant to add. The Mexica ("aztecs") had a type of armor called ichcahuīpīlli, "escapil" in Spanish. It is densely packed, unspun cotton stitched between two layers of fabric and could stop arrows, darts and even musket shots.

[@masoomakhanabdulkabeer6275]

Always enjoy your lectures Dr.

[@KhaulaSArt]

All his lectures are addictive.

[@Sirius-me5zy]

How he even memorise all these, just blow me away

[@muhammedshahzaib2563]

I will not miss a class of yours professor.

[@ServerMughall]

Hi this Prof amazing what a fantastic lecturer his depth of research and knowledge has to be the best I have seen so far the cherry on the top is his way of presentation keep it up prof. I tried to find your full clip on the 6 gospels but couldn't has it been uploaded

[@adonisvilleneuve5105]

A real joy to listen and learn

[@namiaje560]

Love Dr Roys Lecture, such a breath of fresh air amidst the fog for toxic misinformation we have nowadays.

[@waffledbd8153]

Mind blown Dr. Can't wait for part 2.

[@gojira69]

1) The way he describes the creation of the 5 Suns throws into question his expertise in this topic. There are some descriptions that He brings up that I have never heard before. The First sun was Tezcatlipoca's sun. It was a half sun that provided little light, and was knocked from the sky by Quetzalcoatl (Which he confuses for Huītzilōpōchtli). Their rivalry is fairly well known. In a rage, Tezcatlipoca sends jaguars to destroy the sun and eat up the Giants that Quetzalcoatl created. This sun is known as the Jaguar Sun because of the way the earth was destroyed. Wind Sun was next and was created by Quetzalcoatl. This version of man abandoned their gods and Tezcatlipoca turned them into Monkeys. Quetzalcoatl destroyed the Sun in grief with a Hurricane and dedicated himself to creating a better type of human. Fire Sun belonged to Tlaloc. He was a good sun, until Tezcatlipoca stole his wife. In grief, Tlaloc neglected his duties to bring rain to the earth. when the people begged for rain, he destroyed the world and sun in a rain of fire. Water Sun was Chalchiuhtlicue's. She was a good sun as well, but Tezcatlipoca told her that her kindness came from a selfish desire to be loved, and that all humanity believed his words. She cried blood until the world was overtaken by water and drowned everybody. A small group of humans were turned into fish to survive. The Fifth Sun has two main stories. The one he told says that Nanauatzin and Tecuciztecatl were chosen as candidates when in every story i have read, they volunteered to become the sun. Tecuciztecatl was chosen by the other gods but was a coward and did not want to jump in the flame. Nanauatzin jumped in as soon as Tecuciztecatl bowed out. In shame, Tecuciztecatl jumped in after Nanauatzin. Nanauatzin sun rose first, splendid and radiant, especially compared to his sore ridden body. When Tecuciztecatl's Sun rose it was bright as well, but the gods did not see it right that He was as splendid as he was given his cowardice and they threw a rabbit at him to dim his sun. (I dont recall the gods beating Tecuciztecatl at any point but there are many variations in the story, this may be one i have missed). I do not understand how he completely avoids mentioning Tonatiuh's role in this story. It was Tonatiuh that would not move the sun and demanded sacrifice from all the other gods to move it across the sky. He is so much of an important god in this equation that he sits dead center in the Aztec Calendar and exist on Mexico's money to this day. He is one of the reasons that Huītzilōpōchtli is so important as a war god and a sun god. Without war bringing in sacrificial victims, the sun would not rise. I have only gotten an hour into the lecture, but missing parts of the story or rewriting them and avoiding major players is a big red flag to me. This is probably the most important story for the Mexica People.

[@gojira69]

2) The Culhuacan Princess that was flayed was a sacrificial vicitm to Huītzilōpōchtli to make her his wife by most accounts I have read. Xipe Totec i saw brought up in wikipedia. I have not read the source, but i would not doubt there are variations in the story. As far as I know, the consensus is that the woman was Sacrificed to Huītzilōpōchtli to be his bride

[@gojira69]

3) I believe the Nahuatl Pronunciation of Mexica is (Me-Shee-Ca). X's in words sound like (SH) for the most part in Nahuatl regardless of position in the word. the diatribe about Spain wanting to take Arabic out of Spanish doesn't make sense in this lecture, and he continues to use the wrong pronunciation of Mexica throughout the rest of this lecture because of the Arabic/Spanish history he added to it. Edit: Texcoco is Pronounced (Te-sh-co-co) The "SH" pronunciation of "X" is mentioned in the book in the description

[@gojira69]

4) I have never heard it said that killing in warfare was Immoral to the Aztecs. There were 2 forms of warfare; Conquest and Capture In conquest, the Aztecs were formidable Killers. No, they did not enter battle unarmed. For Capture (known as Flowery Wars), they did not go into battle unarmed. they used clubs to incapacitate. Even the Macuahuitl (Aztec Sword) was used to capture sacrificial victims, using the flat or cutting strategically. Most one on one encounters were for higher level warriors that were deemed valuable Sacrifice victims. in these cases, warriors stalked the field, chose a victim and hunted him down. a priest would take the defeated warrior and tie them up to move them off the battle field. I dont know where the notion that the mexica went into battle unarmed and would only wrestle victims to submission comes form. This is in the book in the description.

[@gojira69]

5) Roy, We can be disgusted with Cannibalism and the European War Crimes. Telling people that object to shut up about it is quite bizarre, equating the two is quite bizarre. The Mexica committed many atrocities that they considered to be justified because of how they believed the universe functioned. Are people not allowed to believe that? The barbarism that existed in Europe (Religious Wars, Wars for Power, the Spanish Inquisition, Capital Punishment) were all also justified by the people committing them. Can we not just agree that both were pretty darn awful? or at least agree that Cannibalism is another step ahead of the brutalities of war that exist across the board?

[@gojira69]

The idea that Cannibalism was implemented as a protein source for the empire is debated intensely. The Mexica people hunted, fished, and domesticated turkeys. There were many Meat Protein sources, as well as plant based protein sources such as beans. It is near consensus that Consumption of human meant was for ritualistic purposes, and commoners were not allowed to partake. To try to justify the act of Cannibalism and call it ethical is mind boggling to me, especially because the debate around it is so big, you dont have to bite that bullet. This is mentioned in the book in the description.

[@windunham2969]

Roy-former student here. Glad to see you're blowing up. One small note: it's pronounced Meshika, not Mehika.

[@spacetimegeezy]

Thank you

[@SantiagoItzcoatl]

the perfect start for such lecture.

[@mamaz8530]

Thank you Sir, your lectures always interesting.

[@paulabarbosa4099]

Ir wash a wonderful idea to video tape hour lectures otherwise I would not nave experienced this Journey about cultures.thanks.I,m 73.and enjoy hour full discourse!