Download Aztecs File - Northwest ISD Moodle

Aztec
1100 AD – 1522 AD
The mighty Aztecs, a group of well
trained warriors, spread their empire
through conquest and slaughter. Aztec
priests tore the still beating hearts out of
their enemies as a gift of sacrifice to their
gods. This tribe of warriors used their
ingenuity to build one of the greatest
cities and infrastructure of the ancient
world.
Overview
• The Aztecs slowly expanded their power
till they controlled the most important lands in
South Central Mexico. At its height the Aztecs
controlled an empire of some 22 million people,
making it more populous than any kingdom or
empire in Europe.
•Aztec kings held both political and religious
power. They controlled the civil powers and
were seen as representatives of the gods.
• Religion was a key element in
keeping control of conquered
peoples – especially with the
sacrifice system.
Rise of the Aztecs
Aztecs entered central Mexican valley from the north. Overthrew Toltec's.
Developed independently from Mayans
Extended empire based on warfare and tribute into Central America
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 The
Aztecs lived in what is known as the
Valley of Mexico in central Mexico.
 Tenochtitlan
was the capital city of the
Aztec Empire.
Built on Marshes of Lake Texcoco
100,000-250,000 residents at peak. Larger than
major European cities at the time
The Aztecs, originally know as the Mexica, traveled
throughout present day Mexico searching for a suitable
home. (This is where Mexico gets its name today.)
Some believe that many were the last of the Mayans.
According to legend, the gods told the Aztecs to search for
an eagle holding a snake in its beak perched atop a cactus.
This is where they were to build their capital city. The Aztecs
saw this sign on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco.
What a bum deal from the Gods…
The island that would eventually become the great city
of Tenochtitlan, was nothing but swamp land…good for
nothing
 However, the Aztec’s built Chinampas or, human made
islands
 Reeds were tied together,
then fertile lake mud was
piled on the reeds, allowing
the Aztecs to create fertile
islands for farming in the
swamp lands they called
home
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 Tenochtitlan
was built on an island
 It was connected to the mainland by
causeways leading north, south, and west
of the city.
 The city was interlaced with a series of
canals, so that all sections of the city
could be visited either on foot or by
canoe.
 Gold was abundant and used to decorate
the city.
Tenochtitlan - The Impossible City
 Today, Tenochtitlan
Mexico City
is
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The Aztecs created an empire
through conquest.
Conquered people and local
rulers had to pay tribute to the
Aztecs.
When the Aztecs conquered
new lands, the Aztec emperor
allowed for regional kings and
leaders to remain in power as
long as they continued to send
tribute.
The Aztecs had an emperor and
the Aztec Emperor’s main job
was to lead in war.
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Aztec society economy
was based mainly on
agriculture and trade,
which was provided by
the citizens in outlying
lands.
Goods were bartered, as
there was no known
currency. (money)
All citizens had to pay a
tribute (tax).
As the Aztec population grew, more food was
needed. To solve this problem, Aztec engineers
created “floating” gardens. They built a series of
rafts, which they anchored to the lake bed. They
piled on dirt and grew crops. They made walkways
out of mud and reeds to connect the floating rafts.
The gardens were quite successful. The Aztecs
grew chili peppers, squash, corn, tomatoes, and
beans. Their most important crop was corn.
3 out of 4 Aztecs were farmers.
They also raised turkey, ducks, geese, and dogs for
food.
To build the city they wanted, they knew that
they would need many engineers, builders,
and traders. This required an educated
population. To solve this problem, the
Aztecs set up a system of public schools.
Attendance was mandatory for all Aztec
children, even girls and slaves.
The Aztecs were the only people up to that
time in history to have free schools that
every child had to attend.
There were three different schools: one for
girls, and two for boys.
Girls learned about religion
and were trained to be good
wives and mothers. They
learned how to cook, sew,
and how to care for their
children. They also learned
how to make beautiful
woven textiles.
Sons of the upper class went to the nobles’
school. Sons of wealthy traders and merchants
also went to this school. They studied law,
writing (hieroglyphics), medicine,
engineering and building, interpretation of
dreams and omens, and self-expression. They
also learned about their history and religious
beliefs.
It was a tough school. The boys were
humiliated and tormented to toughen them up.
The other boys’ school was for
sons of commoners. Its main goal
was to train warriors and farmers.
Boys had to sleep under skimpy
blankets. They were given hard
bread to eat.
The commoners’ school also
taught history, religion, manners,
correct behavior, and important
rituals, along with singing and
dancing.
 Aztecs
were polytheistic
 Huitzilopochtli was
the main Aztec god.
(weets se lo poch tlee)
 The
Aztecs built massive temples and
pyramids dedicated to their gods
Pyramid of the Sun
Pyramid of the Moon
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Human sacrifice was a common
practice of the Aztecs.
They believed that if their gods
were not fed, they would not do
their jobs. The sun god would not
bring up the sun, and everyone
would die.
For the reconsecration of Great
Pyramid of Tenochtitlan in 1487,
the Aztecs reported that they
sacrificed 84,400 prisoners over
the course of four days.
Life of War and Sacrifice
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“There is nothing like death in war”
Only blood can nourish the Sun God
30,000/year
2,500/month
625/week
89/day
3/hour
1 every 20 minutes
Every male served as warriors – regardless of
standing
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They had an accurate
calendar, hospitals,
advanced medicine and
surgery.
They also had temples
and pyramids, advanced
agriculture and a huge
empire that had millions
of people.
They also invented an
ancient ball game similar
to basketball and
astronomy, math, and
writing.
Taking advantage of the situation…
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Cortes realizing that he was being welcomed as a king, took
advantage of the situation
Once believing that conquering the Aztecs would be difficult, he now
knew he had things easy
Cortes took all the riches for the most part without a fight
Not only did the Aztecs have to deal with disadvantage of the Spaniards metal
weapons and defenses, but disease also took a terrible toll on the Aztec people
Without having built up tolerances against certain European diseases and sicknesses,
the Aztecs immune systems were unable to fight anything off.
Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes conquered
Tenochtitlan and defeated the Aztecs in 1521.