As European raiders and explorers entered the American land, Aztec civilization started to decay, especially when smallpox brought from Europe spread across the New World. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop the rich Aztec culture and mythology to persevere, with the famous monuments of the ancient civilization being one of the most popular attractions in Central America.

However, the remnants of the Aztec civilization are not only present in pieces of furniture, objects, and monuments. Its mythology, beliefs, and traditions live through ink, with many people regularly visiting tattoo artists with ideas of inking Aztec symbols on their bodies.

Initially, it was believed that the Aztec symbols were a signature of the Mexican mafia and cartels, with symbols coming to life mostly in prison. However, it is no longer just like that. Many admirers of ancient history proudly flaunt Aztec symbols on their bodies, with both smaller and larger tattoos being charming and popular.

In this article, we’ll take a deep and detailed look at the symbolism behind the Aztec tattoos. Additionally, we’ll take a look at the best Aztec tattoo ideas, and designs that flooded the social media networks and decorate the bodies of many tattoo addicts around the world.

Both Mayas and Aztecs were proudly wearing tattoos. The tattoos were more prominent on Aztec men and they were used to highlight one’s social status and power. Women weren’t wearing much prominent makeup or body paint. However, a special type of clay was used to cover their faces and limbs.

Most Aztecs have wiped out thanks to the European invaders who not only wanted to establish their territory on the American land, but also spread pathogens and diseases that affected indigenous people.

Today, Aztecs are not entirely wiped out. Instead, they’re known as people of the Nahua. According to some estimations, there are about 1,5000 million Nahua people who live scattered across rural Mexico, united in small groups and communities.