Unprecedented Survey of Aztec Obsidian Reveals Coast-to-Coast Trade Network

The Mexica Empire — also known as Aztecs — forged far-reaching trade networks in their pursuit of volcanic obsidian glass. Researchers measured the trace elements in almost 800 artefacts containing obsidian found in Templo Mayor — the main worship temple in the Mexica Empire’s capital — to pinpoint their geological origin. The pieces came from at least eight locations, some of which spanned beyond the empire’s borders.