Migration Period  During the 13 th century (1200s), a small group of people called the Mexica migrated from the North of Mexico into the Mexican basin  The Mexica were the predecessors of those who would become “Aztecs”

Migration Continued (Problems in the Neighborhood)  Unfortunately, there were many different cultures present in Mexico at this time…they didn’t get along with the Aztecs all that much  Aztecs practiced ritual sacrifice an would often sacrifice their neighbors to the Aztec gods A warrior wearing flayed skin of a conquered warrior 

Finding a home  In 1323, the Aztec leaders had a vision of an eagle sitting on a cactus eating a snake on a lake and believed that was where they should settle  Two years late, they settled on a small island on Lake Texcoco and called their capital Tenochtitlan  Today, Mexico City sits on the remains of Tenochtitlan

Tenochtitlan  Became the most advanced city and populous in the New World with 200,000 people on the 5 sq. mile island  3 causeways (roads across water) led to the city  A stone aqueduct brought in fresh water  However, fertile land in this area was scarce, so they took over those lands from other societies  Chinampas – “Floating Gardens”   A bustling city much like we have today

Temple Mayor, large 170 ft temple oversaw city

Empire  Throughout the 1370s-1420s the Aztecs were under the control of other, more powerful groups in the Mexican Basin  Through a series of alliances and assassinations, the Aztecs gained control of the region  With Tenochtitlan as the capital and most powerful urban center, the Aztec ruled Southern Mexico through: 1.A strong army 2.Extreme wealth 3.Supreme military intelligence 4.A tribute system involving the sacrifice of prisoners of war (P.O.W.) to the Gods

Quick Quiz 1. Why did the Aztecs not get along with other civilizations during the migration period? 2. What were two major characteristics of Tenochtitlan? 3. What were two ways though which the Aztecs controlled the Mexican Basin?