1. The Aztecs Rise to Power
Original Materials from TCI
PowerPoint follows the TCI slide lecture, Activity 4.1

2. The Aztec’s Rise to Power

3. 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.

4. 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.

6. 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.

7. Aztec Religious and Social Structures
4.1B

9. 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).

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

11. 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

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

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

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

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

16. The Splendor of Tenochtitlan

18. 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 people.
Clean: garbage barges, daily sweepers, daily baths

19. 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.

20. Architectural Wonders
Double pyramid dedicated to Huizilopochtli and Tlaloc
Tzompantli held thousands of human skulls.
Residences of nobles were very elaborate.

21. Assessment & Reflection
Wrap-Up
Assessment & Reflection