2.  The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico on a small island in Lake Texcoco.  They built the city of Tenochtitlan, now present day Mexico City.  The land was swampy, so they built chinampas or raised garden beds.

3. Tenochtitlan

5. Chinampas

6. Floating Gardens

7.  The Aztecs worshipped many gods (Polytheism)  They believed in about 1,000 gods  Main gods: Huitzilopochtli – sun god, Tlaloc-god of rain, Quetzalcoatl- god of wind (bird/serpent).  Practiced human sacrifice.

12.  The Aztecs dug canals and built aquaducts to bring fresh water to the city.  They also built bridges and causeways  They built great pyramids and temples  They had a number and writing system/codex  The Aztec Calendar.

18.  By 1500’s, the Aztecs had a great empire and ruled between 6 to 12 million people.  From the people they conquered, the Aztecs demanded tribute (taxes).  Montezuma II- most famous Aztec emperor.

20.  The Aztecs traded for goods they could not get locally, especially wood and stone for building.  They also used cacao beans as a form of money.

23.  Three main classes formed Aztec society  The Emperor/Nobles/Priest lived in luxury  The middle class-merchants/skilled artisans  The commoners-Farmers/Warriors  Slaves, prisoners of war  Women had few rights