The Aztecs Empire of Conquest

Mesoamerica: Land of the Aztecs

Origins of the Aztecs Nomadic people migrate into valley of Mexico. Settle on island in Lake Texcoco. Influenced by Teotihuacan and Mayan Culture

The Codex Mendoza : The Founding of Tenochtitlan

Document A: The Codex Mendoza

Tenochtitlan: Venice of the Americas The capital city of the Aztecs. (Modern day Mexico City) 400,000 people. Bigger than any European city of its time. Wide-stone causeways linked Tenochtitlan to the mainland.

Tenochtitalan

Aztec View of Tenochtitlan

Ruins of Tenochtitlan: Mexico City

Agriculture Aztecs adapt to their unique environment Build artificial islands in the lake called Chinampas to use as farmland.

Chinampa: Floating Garden 15-30 ft wide

Trade The Aztecs most valuable trade items was obsidian, a polished and very sharp volcanic glass.

Document B

Government Aztecs built a large empire through conquest of local tribes. Led by a single warrior king (monarchy). Tributary State: Demanded payment of tribute from conquered peoples. Prisoners of war were required for human sacrifice. Wealth turned their capital into a great city.

Aztec Society Social Hierarchy similar to Maya High stature for soldiers drawn from noble class Priests: Masters of rituals. Most were Commoners and Farmers

Religious Beliefs and Culture Polytheistic Priests perform rituals to please the gods. Huitzilopochtli is the chief god – controlled the rising sun. Human sacrifice performed on a massive scale. Most victims were prisoners of war.

Aztec Human Sacrifice

Aztec Human Sacrifice

Aztecs Sacrifice Neighboring Tribes to the Sun God

Heart Sacrifice on an Aztec Temple Pyramid

Wall of Skulls: Tenochtitlan

Achievements Aztec Sun Calendar Derived from Maya calendar.

Architecture and Urban Design Temples Aqueducts Canals Causeways – Land bridges connecting islands to the mainland.

Aztec Writing and Math Aztec Math Writing and Math derived from the Maya. Aztec Math

Aztec Gold Jewelry

Aztec Sun Motifs

Decline of the Aztecs The Aztecs were conquered by Spanish Conquistadors in 1521. (Cortes) The wealth of the empire was plundered. Aztec lands became a Spanish colony

Summary of Aztecs