[Aztlan] Did the Aztecs know something now long forgotten

[David Hixson]

MODERATOR'S NOTE: as the listero who posted this question has a genuine interest in learning about Aztec warrior garb and tactics, his second post is forwarded below.  However, it should be noted that the Aztec empire continued up to the conquest period, and thus we have abundant literature from the Spanish (and from Aztec sources) about Aztec uniforms and tactics.  Winged base jumping was not among those noted.  Aztec warriors and elites often wore garb associated with a supernatural or animal motif(hence, eagle warriors, jaguar warriors, etc.).  I'm sure many of our list members could direct the asker to online or print media describing Aztec uniforms and assault tactics.  Please send these responses off-list unless you feel the entire list would benefit from posting a new resource.

-Dave (Aztlan moderator)

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ORIGINAL POST INCLUDED BELOW.

modeldon_9 at yahoo.com posted:

Listeros, This my second post about this topic.  Justin Kerr in his email to me made me notice that I included the link to the Eagle warrior twice.  There should have been another link instead. http://vimeo.com/1778399 Justin asked what was the point I was trying to make.  In the pictures of the Eagle warrior the uniform not only includes an eagle mask but attached wings as well.  Those wings compare to the modern guys jumping off of Norwegian cliffs with a wing suit. My point is did the eagle warrior wings serve a real function?  Simply put did they fly?Part of the question is whether the eagle warrior costume was ceremonial or part of a combat uniform.  Having been in combat that uniform would not confer elite status.  It would simply just get in the way. Unless there was a flight capability as part of their combat capability.  One could see them as an advance guard or as ambushers using heights to swoop down on an unsuspecting enemy.  That would
 definitely make them an elite and quite fearsome. My larger point was whether the Aztecs had a capability learned but now long forgotten.

modeldon_9 at yahoo.com