1. Aim: Describe Aztec Society, Religion, and Urban Planning

2. The Aztec Empire 1200 CE, Aztecs arrive in Valley of Mexico
Valley contained number of small city-states
Aztecs were a poor, nomadic people from harsh deserts of northern Mexico
Aztecs gradually increased in strength and number
1428: Joined with two other city-states to form the Triple Alliance
Alliance became leading power in Valley of Mexico
Aztecs based their power on military conquests and tribute
At height, military leaders held great power with Emperor at top 2

3. Tenochtitlan: A Planned City
Early 1500’s: Tenochtitlan became extraordinary urban center
Population between 200, ,000
Remained on island site
To connect the island to mainland, Aztec engineers built 3 raised road called causeways over water
At center of city was massive complex
Filled with temples, palaces, and buildings
Main structure was Great Temple
Dedicated to sun god and rain god 3

4. Religion Rules Aztec Life
Played major role in Aztec society
1,000 gods that Aztec’s worshipped
Religious practices centered on elaborate public ceremonies
Designed to communicate with gods
Priests made offerings to gods
Most important ritual involved sun god
Without regular offerings of human blood, sun god would become too weak
For this reason, priests practiced human sacrifice on large scale
Thousands led to top of Great Temple
Priests would carve out their hearts
Sacrificial victims included slaves & criminals 4