1. Aztecs Control Central Mexico 16-311/8/06

2. The Valley of Mexico Valley of Mexico provides fertile home for several powerful cultures Teotihuacán - major city/trade center –Obsidian – most valuable trade item –Declined abruptly/abandoned by 750 Toltecs rise to power –Introduce legend of Quetzalcoatl Feathered serpent – god of peace

3. Aztecs Build an Empire Valley of Mexico - city of Tenochtitlan Form Triple Alliance –City-states of Texcoco and Tlacopan –Together build empire through conquest Society ruled by emperor and nobles –Wealth based on tribute Tenochtitlan ►impressive urban center

4. Religion, Center of Aztec Life Centers on many gods –Elaborate public ceremonies Human sacrifice essential –Renews sun each day Need for sacrificial victims compels Aztecs to conquer more land and capture more prisoners

5. http://www.tenochtitlan.com/img_5r3j7u2zf6/IMG_7808-mc-0512-0512.jpg Sun Stone/Calendar Stone Aztec Death Mask Aztec Art http://www.earthchangestv.com/uploads/aztec_ruins_5_med.jpeg Aztec Ruins

6. Problems in the Aztec Empire Montezuma II (1502) –During his reign, empire begins to weaken –More tribute and sacrifice needed Population growing, fights oppression –Arrival of the Spanish conquistadors…