1. Aztec Empire

2. Geography
Founded capital Tenochititlan -an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco (modern day Mexico city)
Moderate climate, interconnecting lakes, forest and wild game
Mesoamerica (includes the southern part of Mexico and parts of northern Central America)

3. Geography and Adaptation
Built raised roads across water or wet ground
Used floating gardens called chinampas to produce food in swampy conditions
They created canals for irrigation and transportation of goods and people

4. Tenochtitlan Interesting Facts
City contained 80,000 to 250,000 people
Canals served as roads for trade and travel between villages
Markets- 60,000 people visited daily
Huge pyramids, some lined with thousands of skulls

5. Rise to Power: Warriors
Aztecs called themselves Mexica (meh-hee-ka)
They were skilled warriors
One ruler ruled over the Aztec Empire
under the leader Moctezuma they expanded to 1/3 of southern Mexico
Population of 25 million at peak
Grew stronger through war, tribute, and trade

6. Moctezuma :Warriors

7. Religion: Polytheism (many gods)
Worshiped gods of sun, rain, moon etc.
KEY POINT: The Aztecs predicted that Quetzalcoatl (serpent god of creation) would return in early 1500s

8. Religion: Quetzalcoatl

9. Religion: Sacrifice Attempted to please gods, by human sacrifices
Military Deterrent: Sacrifices used as intimidation to the people and other tribes
Typical sacrifices would take place on top of a high temple
Aztec sacrificed about
10,000 people

10. Famine and Sacrifice
In 1450, a famine occurred due to poor weather bad farming conditions
the Aztec priests began to make many sacrifices to the gods
They work. Why?
Not enough food = More sacrifices = Less people to feed…Maybe? Who knows for sure….

11. Sacrifice

12. Aztec Social Structure
Royal family One Ruler Ruled, wives held high positions and respect
Nobles- priest, military officers, and government leaders
Merchants- imported the goods
Commoners/Serfs- worked in the fields
Slaves- people could be sold into slavery

13. Hernan Cortez Spanish Conquistador
Learned about the Aztecs and their riches
Knew he would have to conquer them to rule Mexico

14. Hernan Cortez and the Spanish
Other native tribes were tired of paying tribute to the Aztecs and joined Cortez
When he arrives Moctezuma II thinks that he is Quezalcoatl
They invite him to the capital Tenochititlan
Cortez jails Monteczuma

15. Hernan Cortez and the Spanish
The Aztecs fight the off, but the Spaniards leave behind small pox:
Cortez returns and defeats them: only 2 million Aztecs survive
In 1521 the Aztecs finally surrender

16. Small Pox
fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting and severe muscle aches
A rash follows that spreads and progresses to raised bumps that crust, scab, and fall off after about three weeks, leaving a pitted scar.
30-50% fatality rate

17. Different Perspective: Slide 1: 1
Different Perspective: Slide 1: 1.List 6 things you see in this picture 2. Who do you think painted this an Aztec or a Spaniard? Why?

18. Slide 2: 1) Why do you think that the man on the horse is light while everyone else is dark? 2) Who do you think that this person on the horse is?

19. Slide 3: 1) What is going on in this picture
Slide 3: 1) What is going on in this picture? 2) Who do you think painted this and why?

20. Slide 4: 1) Describe 5 things that you see in this photo
Slide 4: 1) Describe 5 things that you see in this photo. 2) How is the story in this painting different than slide 1 and 2?