The Early History of the Aztecs In Aztec legends their original home was Aztlan, “The Place of Reeds” The Aztecs left this place in 1168 and wandered for many years Settled for a while in Coatepec, “The Hill of the Snake” They arrived in Central Mexico after 1200 and called themselves “Mexica” Their meeting with Coxcoxtli, ruler of Culhuacan

“The Place of the Cactus” The Aztecs settled where they saw an eagle with a snake in its grip sitting on a cactus Tenochtitlan was founded in 1325, a small island in Lake Texcoco Advantages of an island city The Empire Develops

This image depicts how Tenochtitlan might have looked like before the Spaniards invaded

The creation of chinampas, floating gardens, is where the Aztecs grew maize, beans, squash, chili peppers, tomatoes, and amaranth People even built cane and thatch houses on their floating gardens

Aztec Emperors The Aztecs called their chief leader Huei Tlatoani meaning “Great Speaker” His main work was the lands of his empire Emperors were elected from among the available “royals” by a group of nobles, priests, and generals Often brothers were elected, rather than sons of the previous ruler

Aztec Emperors Itzcoatl – Aztec leader from 1426 broke free from the Tepanecs Montezuma I – Elected in 1440, Itzcoatl’s nephew, empire grew fast under his rule Ahuitzotl – Elected 1490, led his army on long expeditions, built the temple to Huitzilopochtli Montezuma II – Elected 1502, great nephew of Ahuitzotl Cuitlahuac – Elected 1520, ruled 80 days, died of small pox Cuauhtemoc – Elected 1520 died 1521

The Aztec Religion Ometeotl – The creator god, “the dual god” who was both male and female The gods of the four cardinal directions: Black, White, Red, and Blue Tezcatlipoca The World of the Fifth Sun The Cult of Huitzilopochtli Human Sacrifice The Calendar System

The Aztecs had two (2) calendars one was a sacred calendar named tonalpohualli which had a 260 day year. The days of the year were made up from a combination of 20 day-names (months) and each month had 13 days The xuhitl or solar calendar was used to measure the agricultural seasons and was very similar to the calendar we use today. However, it had 360 day year with eighteen 20 day months. A five day period at year’s end was thought to be unlucky time

Aztec Templo Mayor This temple was dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, god of war and Tlaloc, god of rain & agriculture

Aztec Art & Music For most Aztec artists, their works were not meant to express feelings or thoughts Art was entirely in the service of their religion Sculpture of the gods was considered necessary to worship Aztec Jewelry Music and Dance used to please the gods rather than to listen

Eagle Warrior Duality Figure Figure holding cacao bean

Serpent Eagle Jaguar

Feathered Shields

Shell Necklaces Earrings Ring

Aztec Wooden Drum - huehetls

Moctezuma II Throne

Language & Writing The Aztecs spoke Nahuatl Their form of writing entailed making pictures as symbols or glyphs The Codices – Codex Mendoza & Florentine Codex Nahuatl Literature Poetry was abundant in Aztec life and central to their culture

This is a page of the Codex Mendoza This page depicts an Aztec account of the founding of Tenochtitlan in the year 1325 In the center of the drawing is an eagle perched on a cactus

Florentine Codex Human Sacrifice Warfare The birth of Huitzilopochtli

Hymn to Huitzilopochtli Huitzilopochtli, the young warrior, he who acts above, moving along his way. "Not in vain did I take the raiment of yellow plumage, for it is I who made the Sun appear." Portentous one, who inhabits the region of clouds, you have but one foot! Inhabiter of the cold region of wings, you have opened your hand! Near the wall of the region that burns, feathers come forth. The Sun spreads out, there is a war cry.... My god is called Protector of Men. Oh, now he advances, comes well adorned with paper, he who inhabits the region that burns, in the dust, in the dust, he gyrates. Our enemies are those of Amantla; come adhere to us! War is made with combat, come adhere to us! Our enemies are those of Pipiltlan: come adhere to us! War is made with combat, come adhere to us!

Daily Life of the Aztec Marriage & Family Growing Up Aztec Education Housing Food Clothing & Adornment Law & Order Medicine