1. The Aztecs Control Central Mexico
Ch. 16 Section 3

2. The Valley of Mexico
The Teotihuacan and the Toltecs settled in the valley of Mexico
Teotihuacan: An Early City-State
Toltecs Take Over

3. Aztecs Build an Empire
Aztecs in 1200 A.D. arrived in the Valley of Mexico
The Aztecs, also called Mexica, were a nomadic people from northern Mexico
Legend of their city called Tenochtitlan was to find an eagle on top of a cactus holding a snake in its mouth
Founded in 1235 A.D.

4. Aztecs Build an Empire Aztecs Grow Stronger
1428 _______ _______ formed with Aztecs, ______ and _______
Based its power on ______ ______ and _______ it gained from conquered people
Nobles Rule Aztec Society
Noble class made up of ______ _____, ________ ______ and _______
_________ included Merchants, artisans, soldiers and farmers
________ were captives who had many jobs
________ was at the top of the Aztec social pyramid and ruled absolutely
Trade Brings Wealth
_________ was the market that was the economic center of the city
_________ were farm plots built on marshy edges of the lake
Tenochtitlan: A Planned City
To connect island to mainland built raised roads called ____________
Palaces, temples markets and residential districts connected by ______ and ________
_______ divided the city
___________ brought water in from the mainland
_______ ________ was a pyramid that was the religious center

5. Religion, the Center of Aztec Life
Adopted much of their religious beliefs from the _______
Sacrifices for the Sun God
_____________ was the sun God
Aztec priests carried out __________ _________ to Provide blood for the sun god

6. Problems in Aztec Empire
Under ______ in 1502 problems started to occur
Ever expanding empire called for more _____ and ______
Another effect of population growth was unrest and _______
Another threat to Aztecs was the arrival of the _______
The legend of Quetzalcoatl