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Derivation of the words, Olmec, Aztec, and Toltec


My allegedly believable explanation regarding how Central American Olmecs, Aztecs, and Toltecs received their names. Or not.


Olmec

Olmec is the Nahuatl word certain scholars translated to mean the rubber people. I offer another translation. 

It seems a group of Scottish archeologists once visited El Salvador.  Among them was Angus MacDougal, a long-in-the-tooth archeology professor from the University of Edinburgh.

While at the digs, this aged but greatly esteemed Professor MacDougal created a fine collection of pottery shards. Sadly, one of his envious colleagues attempted to steal MacDougal’s collection.  Fortunately, a trustworthy friend stopped the theft, admonishing the culprit in a heavy Scottish brogue:  “Aye, man. Don’t be taking those. Those shards are Ol’ Mac’s.” 



The Aztecs and Toltecs

Early centroamericano cultures relied upon fútbol for athletic diversion. Its popularity continues today.

In 650 AD, because that geographical area produced so many fine fútbol players, it is possible teams traveled great distances to compete, e.g., from as far away as the deserts of the future American Southwest. 

Fierce competition required each team to have it’s own scoring and play-by-play technical experts. This requirement further fueled the individual group’s fútbol identity.  So it’s natural that the desert team from the zona árida (arid zone or Arizona) became the AZ techs or Aztecs.

What about the Toltecs? The Aztecs often played against a team of ship-wrecked, fútbol-loving German sailors. With every goal, the Germans would shout, “That’s great!” or “Great technique!.” These phrases, in German, are spoken as “Das ist toll!” or “Tolle Technik!” 

Obviously, this is how the Aztechs and Toltechs were named.

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