Tracing the Development of the Aztec Civilization TOPIC Tracing the Development of the Aztec Civilization

Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson students will be able to: 1. Identify on a map, the geographical location where the Aztecs built their civilization. 2.Explain why the Aztecs settled on a location that was clearly inhospitable.

Lesson Objectives (cont’d) 3. Outline how the Aztecs were able to overcome the challenges of the environment to become a great civilization.

Getting to Know the Aztec Civilisation Geographical Location and Features South- Central Mexico (Valley of Mexico) Contained within high Mountains Situated 7500ft. above sea level Experienced high rainfall and clean fresh air Contained five connecting lakes

The Aztecs Settled on Lake Texcoco 15oo sq. Km. This is present day Mexico City

Present Day Mexico City Has a water shortage Polluted air from cars and factories One of the largest cities in the world.

Mexico Then (1519) and Now (2013)

Why Develop a Civilization on a Lake? The Aztec began as a warring and nomadic tribe in the north of Mexico. They were waiting for a sign to indicate where they should settle. The sign came in AD 1250 when a priest saw a vision given by the God Huitzilopochtli (God of War and the Sun).

The Aztecs God: Huitzilopochtli

The Sign from the God Huitzilopochtli

The National Flag of Mexico

Challenges Faced by the Aztecs Bringing fresh water into the city Growing enough food to sustain a growing population Determining how to get to the mainland or shore. Coping with a rise in the water level due to heavy rainfall.

Challenges Faced by the Aztec (cont’d) 5. How to expand the Empire if constructed on a lake? 6. How to dispose of waste? 7. How to develop the City without the use of beast of burden or wheel carts?

Overcoming the Challenges The Aztec built aqueducts (which were canals to carry water over long distances). A series of causeways were built across the lake.

A Causeway in the Aztec Empire

Overcoming the Challenges (cont’d) To expand their empire into the lake and for farming they created small land masses called Chinampas or floating gardens. By expanding into the lake, they housed approximately 200,000 people. It became a magnificent city with canals, pyramids, temples, plazas, markets, palaces, shops and fine homes.

Chinampas

The Aztecs’ Empire on Lake Texcoco

Students will use an adjective for each letter in the word AZTEC to describe their understanding of the Aztec civilization.

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