The Aztec jaguar warriors, known as cuāuhocēlōtl, were elite soldiers who earned their fierce reputation through rigorous training and battlefield prowess. Donning jaguar pelts and wielding spears and atlatls (spear-throwers), they embodied the power and cunning of their namesake. Membership wasn't just about skill; warriors had to capture four enemies alive, a feat seen as a greater honor than simply killing. These elite fighters served not only as the Aztec empire's vanguard but also played a ritualistic role, supplying captives for sacrifices to the sun god Huitzilopochtli. Their bravery, skill, and terrifying appearance made them Aztec society's most respected and feared warriors.
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