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Key Aspects of the Aztec Empire 1450-1750 Lesson 3 Power Shift in Mesoamerica • Review decline of Maya • New powers in the Valley of Mexico – Maya cultural satellites – Ringed by volcanoes • fertility • geologic instability – Lake system & chinampas Post-Classical Militarist Societies • Key groups: Teotihuacan civ., Toltec, Aztec • Characterized by imperial powers, greater urbanization, frequent warfare (war gods) • Trade networks more centralized & extensive – links to Mississippian & Anasazi tribes The Aztecs & Mesoamerican Culture • Linked to Maya learning, religion, cosmology • Tlacaelel and the Aztec social contract • Rising gods – Huitzilopochtli (Sun) – Quetzalcoatl (Learning & Civilization) – Both also linked to WAR—massive amounts of sacrifice Aztec Origins • The Mexica – Chichimecs to mercenaries – Controlling the Valley of Mexico – Tenochtitlán – Extent of the empire Aztec Political Policy • State Terror – Tribute requirements • “Flower Wars” – bad public relations – changes style of warfare • what is the goal? • the sacrifice issue Aztec Economy & Society • Trade is one dimensional; goods redistributed by govt. – food products – birds & feathers, cacao, jade – obsidian, slaves • Ag. Regionalization based on clan-groups Aztec Economy & Society • Social authority – The Calpulli • rights & responsibilities – The Pipiltin • lesser nobles— bureaucrats • Growing disparities & the rise of the pipiltin On the Eve of Cortés • Capital’s consumption straining resources • Gap between rich & poor widening • Tribute & Flower Wars creating dissent • Moctezuma II & Cult of Quetzalcoatl The Aztec Empire