Aztecs Fierce warriors

Teotihuacán Civilization Pre-Aztec civilization Pre-Aztec civilization 20 pyramids 20 pyramids Pyramid of the Sun – the largest Pyramid of the Sun – the largest Valuable trade item – obsidian Valuable trade item – obsidian Around 900 A.D. Toltecs dominate region Around 900 A.D. Toltecs dominate region -god is Quetzalcoatl -god is Quetzalcoatl -traveled east and would return -traveled east and would return

Obsidian

Rise of Aztecs Aztec people migrate from Northern Mexico Aztec people migrate from Northern Mexico Form Triple Alliance – joined with Texcoco and Tlacopan Form Triple Alliance – joined with Texcoco and Tlacopan Built capital city Tenochtitlan Built capital city Tenochtitlan

Aztec Characteristics Brutal conquerors Brutal conquerors Demanded tribute Demanded tribute Created Aztec social order Created Aztec social order

Religion Religion includes 1,000 gods, many adopted from other peoples Religion includes 1,000 gods, many adopted from other peoples Center of religion of public ceremonies to win gods’ favor Center of religion of public ceremonies to win gods’ favor Many religious festivals throughout the year Many religious festivals throughout the year Sacrifices for the Sun God Sacrifices for the Sun God Most important rituals are for sun god, Huitzilopochtli Most important rituals are for sun god, Huitzilopochtli He needs human sacrifices to be strong He needs human sacrifices to be strong Aztecs engage in war to provide captives for these sacrifices Aztecs engage in war to provide captives for these sacrifices

Aztec Religion Polytheistic Polytheistic Worshipped Quetzalcoatl – pale skinned man Worshipped Quetzalcoatl – pale skinned man Focused on elaborate public rituals Focused on elaborate public rituals World order based on human sacrifice World order based on human sacrifice Needed prisoners of war for sacrifice Needed prisoners of war for sacrifice

Problems in the Aztec Empire A New Ruler A New Ruler In 1502, Montezuma II becomes emperor; he calls for more tribute In 1502, Montezuma II becomes emperor; he calls for more tribute These sacrifices lead to revolt in outlying areas These sacrifices lead to revolt in outlying areas Emperor tries to make life easier, but Aztecs worry about future Emperor tries to make life easier, but Aztecs worry about future Soon after, Spanish arrive Soon after, Spanish arrive