1. AIM: How did the Aztecs build a great Empire?
Do Now: What are the advantages to living in the city below?
HW: In a paragraph describe what your impression of the Aztec empire would be if you could go back in time and walk through one of their cities.

2. The Aztecs
Geography
South-central Mexico
Mountainous area.
Tenochtitlan: Capital city
Island in present day Mexico City.
Chinampas: “floating gardens”
Conquering Principals
Conquered people could govern themselves.
Had to pay tribute (tax)
Enemy Soldiers were used as sacrifice.
Religion
Polytheistic – Over 1000 gods.
Huitzilopochtli – Sun God
Human sacrifice

4. Document 1
What tradition from Aztec society is being depicted in this illustration?

5. Why was human sacrifice needed according to Aztec beliefs?
Document 2
Why was human sacrifice needed according to Aztec beliefs?

6. Document 3
What advantages did Aztec society have over other Mesoamerican civilization?

7. Why did warriors dress themselves in animal costumes in many cultures?
Document 4
Why did warriors dress themselves in animal costumes in many cultures?

8. How was the tribute system both a strength and a weakness?
Document 5
How was the tribute system both a strength and a weakness?
How are the army & religious beliefs linked in the Aztec Empire?
How did human sacrifice hurt the Aztec Empire?