The Aztecs

Early Aztecs were nomadic. They settled around Lake Texcoco in Central Mexico in the 1320s. By 1500, the empire ruled from Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean.

Their capital, Tenochtitlan was built on a series of islands in the center of the lake, so they constructed a system of stone causeways from capital the mainland.

The Aztec farmed in the shallow swamps, so they dug canals and used the mud they removed to fill in parts of the lake. Then they attached reed mats to the lake bottom with stakes and piled mud on the mats to create farmland called chinampas or floating islands.

They were able to grow many crops such as cocoa, vanilla, bananas, squash, pumpkin, beans, chili, tobacco, onions, red tomatoes, green tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and maize. They caught crabs, oysters, and fish. The land provided rabbits, snakes, deer, and wild turkey.

Religion was the center of Aztec life. The center of the city was a sacred place with dozens of temples. Within the wall temple area was a pyramid structure called the Great Temple. At the top of this building was two separate sanctuaries.

They honored thousands of gods, but the most important were… Tlaloc, the god of rain. The four long blue lines represented flowing war. Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war. His temple was marked with skulls.

Corn Water Fire Wind Moon Some other gods were …

They believed that prosperity depended on the good will of the gods. Aztec Priests… Studied the heavens. Developed complex calendar focused on planting and harvest seasons. Performed rituals designed to please their many gods. Believed the sun god battled its way across the heavens each day. Compared this to their battles calling themselves “warriors of the sun”. Believed the sun god required human sacrifices in order to rise each day. Sacrificed thousands of captives each year.

Aztec Society Emperor was chosen by nobles & priests to lead in war. Priests performed rituals and ran schools. Nobles served as officials, judges and governors.

Warriors could become nobles by killing or capturing enemies. Merchants often acted as spies for the empire. Artisans passed their skills onto their children.

Farmers made up most of the population. Slaves were mostly captives or criminals.

The Aztecs became rich through trade and conquest. Their artisans created jewelry, clothing, headdresses, pottery, statues and folded books called codices.

The Aztecs were effective, but harsh rulers. Heavy taxes and huge numbers of human sacrifices sparked many revolts, and many conquered people were eager for revenge.

The enemies of the Aztecs eventually helped Europeans to destroy their empire.