December 17, 2025

Aztecs

13 minutes

Dead Funny History: The Aztecs.

Join historian Greg Jenner for a funny and fascinating family adventure into the world of the Aztecs, an extraordinary civilisation of gods, gold, chocolate and… the odd human sacrifice.

The rise of an empire

The Aztec Empire thrived in Central Mexico between the 14th and 16th centuries. Greg takes families and children back to Tenochtitlan, the stunning island city that became the Aztec capital. Home to grand pyramids, bustling markets and thousands of temples, it was four times bigger than Tudor London!

The Aztecs built their empire through skill, trade and an unshakeable belief in their gods. They worshipped deities of war, water, joy, dreams and even mischief; with a few dramatic rituals to keep them happy.

Sacrifice, skulls and sunshine

In this laugh-out-loud lesson, Greg explains why the Aztecs offered human hearts to the gods to keep the sun shining, and how their earth goddess, Tlaltecuhtli, demanded regular blood donations. From “flower wars” to giant skull racks, Aztec religion could be extreme, but it was also deeply symbolic and full of meaning.

Not all the stories are scary, though. Between the jokes and sound effects, Greg reveals a lively culture where chocolate was money, gold was “sun poop”, and weddings were celebrated with piggybacks and cocoa toasts!

Life in Tenochtitlan

Greg and the Dead Funny History cast bring the city to life with humour and heart - from the markets full of maize, avocados and chillies, to the matchmakers who literally “tied the knot.” There’s even a cameo from the world’s first emojis - Aztec picture writing!

It’s history told with big laughs, smart facts and plenty of family fun, as Greg balances gory moments with the joyful, inventive side of Aztec life.

The fall of the Aztecs

Of course, not every empire ends happily. Greg tells how Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortés arrived in 1519, bringing war, betrayal and devastating diseases that wiped out much of the Aztec world. It’s a sobering but powerful story about bravery, belief and survival.

Funny, factual and unforgettable

With jokes, sketches and sound design that make history come alive, Dead Funny History – The Aztecs is perfect for curious kids, families and fans of Greg Jenner’s clever storytelling. Discover how one of the world’s greatest civilisations shaped modern Mexico, and how chocolate really did change the world!

Writers: Jack Bernhardt, Gabby Hutchinson Crouch and Dr Emma Nagouse

Host: Greg Jenner

Performers: Mali Ann Rees and John-Luke Roberts

Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse

Associate Producer: Gabby Hutchinson Crouch

Audio producer: Emma Weatherill

Script consultant: Professor Caroline Dodds Pennock

Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy

Production Manager: Jo Kyle

Studio Managers: Keith Graham and Andrew Garratt

Sound designer: Peregrine Andrews

A BBC Studios Production

...more

View all episodes

By BBC Radio 4

4.7

29572,957 ratings