The Aztecs Rise to Power Original Materials from TCI

The Aztec’s Rise to Power 4.1A

Aztec Origins • • • • • Origins can be traced to Aztlan island.

Entered Valley of Mexico in 1200’s the for unknown reasons.

Considered vulgar by neighboring city states.

Served as mercenaries to nearby city-states. Eventually fled to marshes of Lake Texcoco after Coxcox declared war on them for sacrificing their daughter.

Eagle and Cactus • • • They are symbols of a divine prophecy. After building Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs destroyed most records of their past and created more favorable history. Priests taught prophetic version of history: that the Aztecs were nomads who build Tenochtitlan on a spot designated by the gods.

Life in a Hostile Environment • • • Used chinampas, “floating gardens” to produce their food supply. Created canals to improve trade and transportation. Discovered culinary delights in lake products, such as algae and ducks.

Aztec Religious and Social Structures 4.1B

Aztec Religion • • • Felt that life was uncertain and everyone was a the mercy of nature. Attempted to placate gods w/sacrifice Waited for return of Quetzalcoatl at end of calendar cycle (A.D. 1519).

Royal Family • • • Emperors chosen from royal family based on merit. Royal wives were greatly respected. All members were expected to be dignified and brave.

Nobles • • • Included priests, military, officers, government leaders.

Nobility not inherited; earned on battlefields or in pursuit of priesthood.

Held special privileges: fine clothes, beautiful homes, jewels, servants

Merchants • • Provided Tenochtitlan with imported goods (jade, quetzal feathers) Traveled great distances (into Central America) to negotiate deals.

Commoners • • Included farmers, laborers, craftsmen, servants, and vendors Lived in wards called calpullis (barrios).

Serfs • • Worked in fields or estates of the wealthy Had freedom but, were considered inferior to commoners.

Slaves • • Had some legal rights; there was little stigma attached to slavery. People could sell themselves into slavery to pay off debts or crimes.

The Splendor of Tenochtitlan 4.1C

The Floating City • • • • Three causeways joined Tenochtitlan to the shores of Lake Texcoco.

Canals served as “roads” for canoes carrying people and goods. City contained 80,000-250,000 people. Clean: garbage barges, daily sweepers, daily baths

Bustling Markets • • • At great market 60,000 people gathered daily.

Bartered for food (corn, armadillos) straw mats, cloth (cotton), and luxury items (feathers).

Cacao beans sometimes used as currency.

Architectural Wonders • • • Double pyramid dedicated to Huizilopochtli and Tlaloc Tzompantli held thousands of human skulls.

Residences of nobles were very elaborate.

Wrap-Up Assessment & Reflection