Aztecs

Beginnings The Aztecs came from an area of Northwestern Mexico they called Aztlan. In the late 1200s, they began to migrate south into the Valley of Mexico The Aztec’s referred to themselves as Mexica or Tenochca.

Settling in the Valley of Mexico When the Aztec’s arrived in the valley, there were no other major powers in the area. There were many city-states that controlled all of the good farmland. Eventually the Aztecs were forced into the swamplands of the valley. –They believed they would find a new home where they saw an eagle sitting on a cactus.

Settling in the Valley cont. They found this sign on a island in lake Texcoco. There they built their capital city Tenochtitlan. –“Place of the Prickly Pear” –This is also the site of Mexico City today

Building An Empire The Aztecs began by working as soldiers for other city-states. They then formed a “triple alliance” and began conquering neighboring city- states. –The Mexica and other members of the “triple alliance” became known as the “Aztec”

Building an Empire Eventually between 6 and 12 million people lived under Aztec rule. The Aztecs demanded tribute from the conquered city-states. –Paid in goods such as corn, gold, or jade. –Tribute: a forced payment in goods or labor

Aztec Society Aztec society had three major social classes; Nobles, the intermediate classes, and the commoners. The Nobles made up the smallest class, but had the most power. –They included, princes, military leaders, and priests

Aztec Society Below the nobles was the intermediate class. –They included merchants and artisans Most people in Aztec society were part of the commoner class. –Some owned land –Slaves were at the bottom

Aztec Religion Like the Mayans, the Aztecs practiced polytheism. –Polytheism: The belief in many gods. –Aztecs also shared several gods with the Mayans, Toltecs, and other older civilizations. –They had different names

Aztec Religion Aztec life was dominated by religion They believed in over 1000 gods and goddesses. They had many religious ceremonies and festivals –Usually to ask the gods for a good harvest.

Aztec Religion Like other Mesoamerican Civilizations, the Aztecs practiced Human Sacrifice. –The victims were usually captured warriors or slaves. –Historians disagree on the actual scale of sacrifice –The ceremonies for sacrifice could last up to a year. –Animals were also sacrificed. –Victims had their hearts cut out, usually at the top of the pyramid

Spanish Conquest In 1519 Spanish explorer, Hernan Cortes, landed near Vera Cruz Mexico. –He arrived with 500 men, 13 horses, and a few cannons –He learned about the Aztecs from a translator, La Malinche, who he won in battle. –He then headed to Tenochtitlan to Conquer the Aztec Empire for Spain.

Spanish Conquest On his way to the Aztec Capital, Cortes was able to gain allies from among the Aztec’s many enemies. After being invited into the capital, Cortes and his army took the Aztec king hostage and began to attack Tenochtitlan. After many battles throughout the Aztec Empire, Cortes and his armies conquered the Aztec Empire.