The aim of this talk is to present an overview of the role that gold played in Aztec society. Contrary to popular belief that gold came second after jade and turquoise, we shall see that gold was very important to the Aztecs in the fields of politics, economy and religion. Furthermore gold conveyed a message of power and wealth and Aztec rulers used it lavishly to distance themselves from the rest of the people both in life and in the afterlife. The most important Aztec gods were also clad in gold or often displaying the symbol of gold. History, archaeology and the painted books (codices) will testify to the importance of gold among the Aztecs.

Elizabeth Baquedano is a Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London and at the Institute for the Study of the Americas, University of London.