Aztec 1100 ad – 1522 AD

The Aztec Empire The mighty Aztecs, a group of well trained warriors, spread their empire through conquest and slaughter. Aztec priest tore the still beating hearts out of their enemies as a gift of sacrifice to their gods. This tribe of warriors used their ingenuity to build one of the greatest cities and infrastructure of the ancient world.

Overview The Aztecs slowly expanded their power till they controlled the most important lands in South Central Mexico. At its height the Aztecs controlled an empire of some 22 million people, making it more populous than any kingdom or empire in Europe. When the Aztecs conquered new lands, the Aztec emperor allowed for regional kings and leaders to remain in power as long as they continued to send tribute. Aztec kings held both political and religious power. They controlled the civil powers and were seen as representatives of the gods. Religion was a key element in keeping control of conquered peoples – especially with the sacrifice system.

Rise of the Aztecs Aztecs entered central Mexican valley from the north. Overthrew Toltec's. Developed independently from Mayans Extended empire based on warfare and tribute into Central America Tenochtitlan: capital city (present day Mexico City) Built on Marshes of Lake Texcoco 100,000-250,000 residents at peak. Larger than major European cities at the time.

Where did the Aztecs live? The Aztecs lived in what is known as the Valley of Mexico in central Mexico.

Tenochtitlan Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire.

Legend of Tenochtitlan The gods told the Aztecs to search for an eagle holding a snake in its beak perched atop a cactus. This is where they were to build their capital city. The Aztecs saw this sign on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco.

Legend of Tenochtitlan

How did the Aztecs build a city in the center of a lake? Tenochtitlan was built on an island It was connected to the mainland by causeways leading north, south, and west of the city. The city was interlaced with a series of canals, so that all sections of the city could be visited either on foot or by canoe.

Tenochtitlan Today, Tenochtitlan is Mexico City

Government The Aztecs created an empire through conquest Conquered people and local rulers had to pay tribute to the Aztecs The Aztecs had an emperor The Aztec Emperor’s main job was to lead in war

Economy Aztec society economy was based mainly on agriculture  and trade, which was provided by the citizens in outlying lands.  Goods were bartered, as there was no known currency. All citizens had to pay a tribute (tax).

Agriculture As the Aztec population grew, more food was needed. To solve this problem, Aztec engineers created “floating” gardens. They built a series of rafts, which they anchored to the lake bed. They piled on dirt and grew crops. They made walkways out of mud and reeds to connect the floating rafts. The gardens were quite successful. The Aztecs grew chili peppers, squash, corn, tomatoes, and beans. Teacher’s notes: The Aztecs created more useable land by filling in marshlands and swamps. They created even more by building dikes to hold back the water.

Free School for Everyone To build the city they wanted, they knew that they would need many engineers, builders, and traders. This required an educated population. To solve this problem, the Aztecs set up a system of public schools. Attendance was mandatory for all Aztec children, even girls and slaves. The Aztecs were the only people up to that time in history to have free schools that every child had to attend.

All-Girls School There were three different schools: one for girls, and two for boys. Girls learned about religion and were trained to be good wives and mothers. They learned how to cook, sew, and how to care for their children. They also learned how to make beautiful woven textiles.

Sons of the Upper Class Sons of the upper class went to the nobles’ school. Sons of wealthy traders and merchants also went to this school. They studied law, writing (hieroglyphics), medicine, engineering and building, interpretation of dreams and omens, and self-expression. They also learned about their history and religious beliefs. It was a tough school. The boys were humiliated and tormented to toughen them up.

Sons of Commoners and Slaves The other boys’ school was for sons of commoners. Its main goal was to train warriors and farmers. Boys had to sleep under skimpy blankets. They were given hard bread to eat. The commoners’ school also taught history, religion, manners, correct behavior, and important rituals, along with singing and dancing.

Specialized Professions No matter which school an Aztec boy attended, he was trained to be a specialist. Boys studied how to be farmers, traders, engineers, builders, astronomers, and doctors. Students who became builders and engineers designed and built the amazing Aztec cities, including the capital city of Tenochtitlan, located on the swampy shores of Lake Texcoco.

Religion & Mythology Aztecs were polytheistic Huitzilopochtli was the main Aztec god. (weets se lo poch tlee) The Aztecs built massive temples and pyramids dedicated to their gods

Religion & Mythology Pyramid of the Sun Pyramid of the Moon

Human Sacrifice Human sacrifice was a common practice of the Aztecs. They believed that if their gods were not fed, they would not do their jobs. The sun god would not bring up the sun, and everyone would die. For the reconsecration of Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan in 1487, the Aztecs reported that they sacrificed 84,400 prisoners over the course of four days.

Achievements They had an accurate calendar, hospitals, advanced medicine and surgery. They also had temples and pyramids, advanced agriculture and a huge empire that had millions of people. They also invented an ancient ball game similar to basketball and ,astronomy, math, and writing.

What happened to the Aztecs? Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes conquered Tenochtitlan and defeated the Aztecs in 1521.

Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes conquered Tenochtitlan and defeated the Aztecs in 1521.

Aztec Video Clips “Engineering An Empire” Aztec Overview Prophecy of Quetzalcoatl