1. Tracing the Development of the Aztec Civilization
TOPIC
Tracing the Development of the Aztec Civilization

2. Lesson Objectives
At the end of the lesson students will be able to: 1. Identify on a map, the geographical location where the Aztecs built their civilization. 2.Explain why the Aztecs settled on a location that was clearly inhospitable.

3. Lesson Objectives (cont’d)
3. Outline how the Aztecs were able to overcome the challenges of the environment to become a great civilization.

4. Getting to Know the Aztec Civilisation
Geographical Location and Features
South- Central Mexico (Valley of Mexico)
Contained within high Mountains
Situated 7500ft. above sea level
Experienced high rainfall and clean fresh air
Contained five connecting lakes

5. The Aztecs Settled on Lake Texcoco
15oo sq. Km.
This is present day Mexico City

6. Present Day Mexico City
Has a water shortage
Polluted air from cars and factories
One of the largest cities in the world.

7. Mexico Then (1519) and Now (2013)

8. Why Develop a Civilization on a Lake?
The Aztec began as a warring and nomadic tribe in the north of Mexico.
They were waiting for a sign to indicate where they should settle.
The sign came in AD 1250 when a priest saw a vision given by the God Huitzilopochtli (God of War and the Sun).

9. The Aztecs God: Huitzilopochtli

10. The Sign from the God Huitzilopochtli

11. The National Flag of Mexico

12. Challenges Faced by the Aztecs
Bringing fresh water into the city
Growing enough food to sustain a growing population
Determining how to get to the mainland or shore.
Coping with a rise in the water level due to heavy rainfall.

13. Challenges Faced by the Aztec (cont’d)
5. How to expand the Empire if constructed
on a lake?
6. How to dispose of waste?
7. How to develop the City without the use
of beast of burden or wheel carts?

14. Overcoming the Challenges
The Aztec built aqueducts (which were canals to carry water over long distances).
A series of causeways were built across the lake.

15. A Causeway in the Aztec Empire

16. Overcoming the Challenges (cont’d)
To expand their empire into the lake and for farming they created small land masses called Chinampas or floating gardens. By expanding into the lake, they housed approximately 200,000 people.
It became a magnificent city with canals, pyramids, temples, plazas, markets, palaces, shops and fine homes.

17. Chinampas

18. The Aztecs’ Empire on Lake Texcoco

19. Students will use an adjective for each letter in the word AZTEC to describe their understanding of the Aztec civilization.

20. Bookmark Activity
A _____________ Z _____________ T _____________ E _____________ C _____________