When European explorers and conquistadors came to the Americas, many encountered giants and recorded this as fact. From mighty chiefs to entire tribes, some New World goliaths were friendly while others thirsted for bloodshed. And Europeans weren’t the only ones to meet them… 500 years earlier, the Aztecs almost drove the giants to extinction.
Ancient Mexican Legends of Giants
The excerpt discusses the widespread presence of giant legends in ancient Mexican cultures, including the Aztecs and the Maya. These legends describe giant beings as having played a significant role in the creation of monumental structures, such as pyramids and cities. The Aztecs believed that giants had built the city of Teotihuacán, while the Maya saw giants as demigods who served the god Chaac.
Historical Accounts of Giant Remains
Several historical accounts from the 16th century, including writings by Spanish conquistadors and missionaries, describe finding giant remains, such as bones and teeth, in Mexico. These accounts include stories of Diego de Ordaz discovering a giant thighbone, and José de Acosta finding a giant tooth.
Implications of the Legends and Accounts
The legends and accounts of giants in ancient Mexican cultures and historical records suggest that the idea of giant beings was a widespread and deeply ingrained part of the region’s folklore and mythology. While mainstream archaeologists attribute depictions of larger humans to class and societal position, researchers continue to investigate the possibility of a historical basis for these legends.
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