Aztec warriors, unlike the Spanish Conquistadors, were generally protected on the battlefield by a combination of wooden and heavy cotton defensive weaponry. Aztec armor, despite the lack of metallic protection, was effective. The Conquistadors themselves would soon adapt their own body armor to include elements of Aztec design, primarily due to the heat and humidity of their new environment.
Defensive Aztec Weapons – Aztec Warrior Body Armor
The principal element of Aztec body armor was the ichcahuipilli – the quilted cotton body armor worn by most Aztec warriors. Normally sleeveless, the ichcahuipilli was, according to historian Ross Hassig, “so thick (one and a half to two fingers) that neither an arrow nor an atlatl dart could penetrate it”.
The effectiveness of the ichcahuipilli body armor impressed itself upon the Spanish Conquistadors, who would soon favor the cotton armor over their more traditional metal cuirass. The heat and humidity of the region made this cooler and lighter cotton armor a more viable option. Freedom of movement was also maintained, allowing the Aztec warriors to move rapidly and weild the varying offensive Aztec weapon types with ease.
