Key Aspects of the Aztec Empire Lesson 3
Power Shift in Mesoamerica Review decline of MayaReview decline of Maya New powers in the Valley of MexicoNew powers in the Valley of Mexico – Maya cultural satellites – Ringed by volcanoes fertility fertility geologic instability geologic instability – Lake system & chinampas
Post-Classical Militarist Societies Key groups: Teotihuacan civ., Toltec, AztecKey groups: Teotihuacan civ., Toltec, Aztec Characterized by imperial powers, greater urbanization, frequent warfare (war gods)Characterized by imperial powers, greater urbanization, frequent warfare (war gods) Trade networks more centralized & extensiveTrade networks more centralized & extensive – links to Mississippian & Anasazi tribes
The Aztecs & Mesoamerican Culture Linked to Maya learning, religion, cosmologyLinked to Maya learning, religion, cosmology Tlacaelel and the Aztec social contractTlacaelel and the Aztec social contract Rising godsRising gods – Huitzilopochtli (Sun) – Quetzalcoatl (Learning & Civilization) – Both also linked to WAR—massive amounts of sacrifice
Aztec Origins The MexicaThe Mexica – Chichimecs to mercenaries – Controlling the Valley of Mexico – Tenochtitlán – Extent of the empire Extent of the empireExtent of the empire
Aztec Political Policy State TerrorState Terror –Tribute requirements “Flower Wars”“Flower Wars” – bad public relations – changes style of warfare what is the goal? what is the goal? the sacrifice issue the sacrifice issue
Aztec Economy & Society Trade is one dimensional; goods redistributed by govt.Trade is one dimensional; goods redistributed by govt. – food products – birds & feathers, cacao, jade – obsidian, slaves Ag. Regionalization based on clan-groupsAg. Regionalization based on clan-groups
Aztec Economy & Society Social authoritySocial authority – The Calpulli rights & responsibilities rights & responsibilities – The Pipiltin lesser nobles— bureaucrats lesser nobles— bureaucrats Growing disparities & the rise of the pipiltinGrowing disparities & the rise of the pipiltin
On the Eve of Cortés Capital’s consumption straining resourcesCapital’s consumption straining resources Gap between rich & poor wideningGap between rich & poor widening Tribute & Flower Wars creating dissentTribute & Flower Wars creating dissent Moctezuma II & Cult of QuetzalcoatlMoctezuma II & Cult of Quetzalcoatl
The Aztec Empire