1. Periodization Paleoindian era, 30,000-8000 BC
Archaic Period, BC
Formative Period, 2000 BC to 200 AD
Classic Period, 200 AD to 900 AD
Postclassic Period,

2. Origin stories and rise of the Aztecs: Chichimeca/Mexica leave Aztlan

3. Tenochtitlan, founded 1325

5. Value of confederacy

6. Nobility supported by commoners: from a tribe based on clans (calpulli) to a kingdom based on class

7. Terms:
Huitzilopochtli – Patron god of the Mexica/Aztecs; war god associated with the sun
Quetzalcoatl – Creator god
Calpulli – landholding groups bound by kinship
Macehualtin – common people
Mayeque - slave-like peasants
Pipiltin – nobility
Pochteca – merchants; sometimes spies
Tlamatinime – wise men who often taught at Aztec schools
Cuicacalli – school of songs
Calmecac – school for the intellect; trained the priesthood
Telpochcalli – warrior school

9. Social classes and life; organization of the state

12. Education, religious practices, moral code

16. Tlacaelel and the building of empire