Transcript The Aztecs
THE AZTECS
THE AZTECS
Where did Aztecs come from?
Nomadic tribe (Mashika) from N/NW Mexico Aztlan territory Source of Aztec name Wandered over 200 years before settling in the Valley of Mexico
THE AZTECS
Geography Extremely varied Sea level to 7,500 feet above sea level Surrounded by tropical rain forests High altitude = mild climate
THE AZTECS
Mercenary Nahauatl Soldier/warrior for hire Aztec language Nahauatl words you know: Acapulco Mexico Avocado Chocolate tomato
THE AZTECS
Developed glyphs Represented both ideas and sounds Limited in what could be expressed
THE AZTECS
Tenochtitlan Aztec city located on an island in Lake Texcoco Lake filled in over time Now Mexico City Capital of Mexico
THE AZTECS
Aztec Empire 1400’s Controlled region Established city-states Own government Distinct culture Three main ones: Tenochtitlan Texcoco Tiacopan 489 cities paid tribute and taxes
THE AZTECS
No attempt to unify No attempt to change customs of conquered people Military units to maintain control Great noble commanded each army Served as governor of area
THE AZTECS
Government Council of Nobles Chose emperor from members of royal family Most offices were hereditary Service to emperor was also way to gain high office
THE AZTECS
Montezuma I Greatest emperor Ruled 1440-1468/9 Expanded empire Spelled different ways Moctezuma Motecuhzoma Montezuma II Grandson Became emperor in 1502 Ruled at empires peak
THE AZTECS
Aztec Society Calpulli Large family group Everyone belonged to one Means “big house” Each calpulli owned plot of land Meet needs of members Government got part of harvest as tribute
THE AZTECS
Social Hierarchy 4 mail social classes Upper-class Nobles Owned land PLUS land of their calpulli Commoners Farmed the calpulli Made crafts Gave tribute in return for protection Serfs/Peasants Farmed land of nobles slaves Captives in war Criminals Citizens unable to pay debts Were servants or worked fields with serfs
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1% 98% 18% warriors 1%
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Achievements Complex hierarchy Huge trade network Tribute system Sophisticated agricultural economy Intellectual Religious Chinampa
THE AZTECS
Spanish Invasion Hernando Cortes and army invaded Searching for gold Many of small city-states helped Resented paying tributes 1521 Aztecs destroyed