The Aztecs

Lore & Background

The episode stands out in early Doctor Who history for its lack of science-fiction antagonists, relying instead on human conflict and cultural misunderstanding. It meticulously details the grandeur of the Aztec temple city, the complexity of their religious hierarchy, and the terrifying reality of their sacrificial practices. The story ultimately concludes with a bittersweet victory: while Barbara cannot stop the sacrifice, she manages to influence the future by ensuring her own identity is erased from history, preventing her from becoming a permanent part of the timeline.

Reader's Guide

In the climax, Barbara's desperate bid to halt a ritual sacrifice collapses into a near-fatal confrontation where she must either prove her divinity or face execution. Realizing that saving one life would unravel history and doom millions, she makes the agonizing choice to step back. She ensures her own identity is erased from the Aztec records, leaving no trace of the 'goddess' who tried to stop them. The crew flees to the TARDIS just as the temple fires consume the city, vanishing into the void with nothing left behind but the ghost of a brief, impossible intervention in the heart of the Aztec Empire.

Did You Know?

• The story introduced the famous line 'You cannot rewrite history,' which became a recurring theme for the series' approach to time travel.
• John Lucarotti wrote this episode after being inspired by a documentary about the Aztecs, aiming to bring historical accuracy to sci-fi television.
• Barbara Wright's character arc in this story is often cited as one of her strongest moments, showcasing her moral courage and intellectual depth.