Ancient American Weapons

There were multiple militaristic civilizations in the ancient Americas.  In this episode, Ed talks about their rise to power and weapons of choice.

SHOW NOTES:

Moche pottery showing warriors, captives, birds and plants. Note the pointy helmet and backflap plates.


5 Replies to “Ancient American Weapons”

  1. Sherra Giorgetti

    Hi Ed
    I’m interested in your Peruvian
    Inca trip in September
    Sadly, none of my friends are interested, but I think I’m gonna go on my own. I’ve taken a lot of your great courses plus courses and I’m fan on your podcast now.
    Please guide me to the website to register
    Thanks!
    SG

  2. Allen Greenberg

    The weapons episode was fascinating. As a native of Northern California, I was pleased you included the discussion of the martial culture of the Pacific Northwest in “One More Thing.”

    But ¡OJO! Ed – Sitka is in Alaska, not Canada. The Russians called it Novo- (New) Archangelsk, and it was the capital of Russian America. A great place for archaeology for sure!

    Keep those great podcasts coming! Allen

  3. Daphne Bell

    Hi Ed!

    I read a historical fiction novel a while back that featured some Mayan warriors of the circa 1000 AD era, and portrayed them as wielding macuahuitls. I couldn’t help but wonder – is there any evidence that the Mayans ever had something like the macuahuitl, or is that just some author’s flight of fancy? At the time when I was reading it I thought it was kinda weird that they were using that weapon.

    • edbarnhart

      Maya of the Late Post Classic used them, but they were adopted from the Aztecs. The Aztecs were planning an assault on Yucatan when the Spanish showed up and cancelled the party.

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“ArchaeoEd” stands for archaeology education, but its also Ed talking about his 30+ years as an archaeologist