The axolotl as food and symbol in the basin of Mexico, from 1200 BC to today

Abstract

A strange creature, known for its regenerative abilities, formed part of the edible resources of the Aztecs in the Basin of Mexico (Fig. 1). Alexander von Humboldt, who was instrumental in the European collection and study of the creature, described the Aztec consumption of the comestible as follows: In the year 1245 (according to the chronology of the Abbe Clavigero) they arrived at Chapoltepec. Harassed by the petty princes of Zaltocan⋯ the Aztecs, to preserve their independence, withdrew to a groupe of small islands called Acocolco, situated toward the southern extremity of the lake of Tezcuco. There they lived for half a century in great want, compelled to feed on roots of aquatic plants, insects, and a problematical reptile called axolotl, which Mr. Cuvier2 looks upon to be the nympha of an unknown salamander (Humboldt 1966 [1811]:Vol. II:16-17). © 2010 Springer-Verlag New York.