Mesoamerica

Watch the video to the right

to learn about the Aztec 

civilization!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Aztecs

The Aztecs Build An Empire

The first Aztecs were poor farmers who migrated south to central Mexico.  Other tribes had taken the good farmland, so the Aztecs settled ona swampy island in Lake Texcoco.  In 1325, they began building their capital here.

 

War was key to the Aztecs' rise to power.  The Aztec warriors conquered many towns and made the conquered people pay tributes of cotton, gold or food.  The Aztecs also controlled a large trade network.

 

The Aztecs' power and wealth was most visible in the capital, Tenochtitian.  The Aztecs built 3 causeways to connect the island city to the lakeshore.  At its peak, Tenochtitlan had about 200,000 people.  the city had temples, a palace and a busy market.

 

Life in the Empire

Aztec society had clearly defined social classes.  The king was the most important person.  He was in charge of law, trade, tribute, and warfare.  The nobles, including tax collectors and judges, helped the king with his duties.  Below the king and nobles were priests and warriors.  Priests had great influence over the Aztecs.  Warriors were highly respected.  Below the priests and warriors were merchants and artisans, and then farmers and laborers.  Slaves were the lowest in society.

 

The Aztec believed that gods ruled all parts of life and sacrifice was necessary to keep the gods happy.  In rituals, priest cut open victim's chests to give blood t the gods and scraficed nearly 10,000 humans a year.

 

The Aztecs studied astronomy.  Their calendar was much like the Maya calendar.  the Aztecs had a rich artistic tradition and their own wrting system.  They also had a strong oral tradition.

 

Cortes Conquers the Aztecs

In 1519 Hernan Cortes led a group of Spanish conquerors called conquistadors into Mexico.  Their motives were to seek gold, claim land, and spread their religion.  The Aztec ruler, Moctezuma, thought Cortes was a god.  Moctezuma gave Cortes many gifts, including gold.  Wanting more gold, Cortes took Moctezuma prisoner.  Enraged, the Aztecs attacked the Spanish.  They drove the Spanish out of the city, but Moctezuma was killed.  To defeat the Aztecs, the Spanish allied with people who resented the Aztec rulers.  Together they used guns and road horses. The Spanish also carried disease like smallpox that killed many Aztecs.  In 1521 the Spanish brought the Aztec Empire to an end.

 

Complete the following questions in two column note format.

 

1.  Where did the Aztec civilization develop and why?

2.  What was the major reason that made the Aztecs so powerful?

3.  Describe Tenonchtitian.

4.  Explain the Aztecs social hierarchy.

5.  Describe the religion of the Aztec civilization.

6.  List some of the achievements of the Aztecs.

 

 

To learn more about the Aztec Civilization visit the website below:

 

Click the link below and log into Brainpop.com  Username: durantmiddle   password: dolfin
When you have clicked the link, type in Aztec Civilization in the search box.
http://www.brainpop.com

 

Aztec Song:

https://youtu.be/uVGvMfrN2Zw

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