1. The Aztecs

2. Location:
Mexico

5. Tenochtitlan Planned city
Now Mexico City (one of the largest cities in the world)
Largest city in the world (at the time)
Location; the geography of Tenochtitlan provided:
Protection
Fresh water
Farmland

6. 1325
The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was founded

7. 1428
Triple Alliance was formed: this alliance of several city-states led to the creation of the centralized, Aztec Empire

8. Early 1500’s
Tenochtitlan grew to a population of over 200,000… larger than any city of its time

9. 1502
Montezuma II became Emperor. Excessive demand for tribute caused the provinces to revolt

10. 1519
Spanish conquistadores began to destroy what was left of Aztec Civilization.

11. Capital
Tenochtitlan
Type of government
Empire based on military conquest that demanded tribute from conquered people
Population
5-15 million people
Economy
Tribute from conquered people, agriculture (chinampas)
Major exports
Gold, maize, cacao beans, cotton & jade

12. Tenochtitlan A city in the middle of a lake
Causeways: raised roads over the water that connected Tenochtitlan to the mainland

13. Chinampas
Farm plots built on the marshy fringes of the lake surrounding Tenochtitlan

14. Farmers or chinamperos dig out canals in the lakebed, they pile the mud which they are scooping out atop sedges and reeds. These constructed mounds, which are surrounded by water on at least three sides, are chinampas and serve as the garden plots in which the people grow their crops.

15. Human Sacrifice
Aztecs believed that the gods required human blood for nourishment

16. Problems with human sacrifice
Need for more prisoners = .
more wars & different tactics

17. Problems within the Aztec Empire
Aztec empire grew too large, they became less able to control conquered areas & people
Rebellions formed, people refused to pay their tribute

18. Montezuma II Became Emperor in 1502 Last Aztec Emperor
Tried to reform Aztec society & put down rebellions
Then the Spanish arrived

19. Traits of Civilization
Strength
Weakness
Religious beliefs
-united culture
-Loyal to the king
Many resources spent on religious activities
Powerful Army
Adds land, power, & prisoners for human sacrifice
Need for live prisoners makes army less deadly
Demand for tribute
Provides wealth, power, & prisoners for sacrifices
Tribute states are rebellious & need to be controlled