Eagle warrior

Eagle Warrior ( Nahuatl: cuauhtli ) were members of the Aztec army. They were professional soldiers and acted as elite units. Another group were the Jaguar Warrior ( Nahuatl: Ocelotl ).

Between them and the Jaguar warriors, there were intense rivalries, the totems of the Eagle and Jaguar warriors were the sun and the moon. The sun symbolized the day and was available for the Eagle Warrior. The moon symbolized the night and was available for the Jaguar warriors. Just like this, the eagle warriors were used as active fighters on the battlefield. But in addition, the eagle warriors were used as scouts, spies and emissaries.

Be seen were the eagle warriors on their clothes and their magnificent feathers. Even as small children learned Aztec boys dealing with the weapons and practiced for the war in special schools. By the age of fourteen years, they were brought up by their parents. After that they lived in their calpulli ( company ). From this point on, the state was responsible for them. Again and again, the budding warriors were examined and tested their progress. Only the best students were able to ascend to the caste of the Eagle Warrior. For this, they had to be distinguished on the battlefield by special acts. For the ceremonial human sacrifices they captured as many enemy warriors as it was possible for them. The number of their prisoners given their rank.

The eagle warrior still has importance in Mexico. The logo of Aeroméxico shows a stylized head.