Mesoamerica, the Aztecs, and the Spanish Conquest

Mesoamerica A civilization because it meets the definition. Organized into city states Most cultures split between the Nahuatl and the Mayan speaking peoples Agriculture based on corn and beans agriculture.

Teotihuacan Population of 150, ,000 Pyramid of the Sun is the 3 rd largest pyramid in the world. Reached its height from C.E.

Tenochtitlan Capital city of the Aztecs Built in the middle of a lake

Aztec Empire ( ) When the Spanish arrive, the empire is only a century old. The Aztecs speak Nahuatl and came from the north of Mexico.

The Arrival of the Spanish Hernando Cortez lands in 1519 with – 10 ships – 700 Soldiers – 16 Horses and 10 light cannon It would only take him 2 years to conquer the Aztec nation. Conquistadors – God, Gold, and Glory

Aztec Disadvantages Enemies made by ruling over tribute peoples Disease, especially smallpox, will devastate the native populations. The natives believe at first that Cortez is the God Quetzalcoatl Have never seen guns or horses before.

Conquest Completed Tens of thousands of natives die from disease, malnutrition, and being overworked. Spanish enslaved the natives using the Encomienda system.

Conversion to Christianity In 1531, few are Nahuatl people are converting to Christianity. Juan Diego is a prince who has a vision of the Virgin Mary. She speaks to him in his native tongue and appears to be Nahuatl

Syncretism Syncretism- the melding of beliefs from one system into another. In many ways the image that appears on the Tilma of Juan Diego is similar to native gods. Thousands of Nahuatl convert to Catholicism, but keep many practices and beliefs from the old religion.