Definition: The town of Tlatelolco was a sister city to Tenochtitlan during the Aztec rule of Mexico. The town was known for a huge market, in the mid-fifteenth century AD servicing between 20,000 and 25,000 people per day, with stuff brought for sale by the pochteca travelers from all over central America. According to Bernal Diaz, goods sold at the Tlatelolco market included food, gems, animal hides, furniture, clothing, sandals, pots, slaves, and exotic items.
Tlatelolco is also known for its violent past. It was the scene of the 'last stand of the Aztecs' in their war against the Spanish conquistadors, where 40,000 Aztec men, women, and children were said to have been slaughtered on one day in 1521. And, in 1968, a student uprising was quelled, with 300 students killed by armed guards.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Tlatelolco is also known for its violent past. It was the scene of the 'last stand of the Aztecs' in their war against the Spanish conquistadors, where 40,000 Aztec men, women, and children were said to have been slaughtered on one day in 1521. And, in 1968, a student uprising was quelled, with 300 students killed by armed guards.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
