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 1200-1521 I.Geography 1.South-central Mexico A.Mountainous area. 2.Tenochtitlan: Capital city A.Island in present day Mexico City. B.Chinampas: “floating gardens” II.Conquering Principals 1.Conquered people could govern themselves. A.Had to pay tribute (tax) 2.Enemy Soldiers were used as sacrifice. III.Religion 1.Polytheistic – Over 1000 gods. A.Huitzilopochtli – Sun God i.Human sacrifice

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

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

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

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

8. 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? Document 5