Aztec

Definition

The Aztec civilization was a powerful Mesoamerican culture that thrived from the 14th to the 16th century, centered around what is now Mexico City. Known for their sophisticated agricultural practices, impressive architectural achievements, and complex social and political organization, the Aztecs left a significant impact on the history of the Americas during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire reached its peak during the reign of Moctezuma II in the early 16th century, when it controlled vast territories in central Mexico.
2. The Aztecs practiced a polytheistic religion that involved numerous gods and goddesses, with rituals that often included human sacrifices to appease them.
3. Agriculture was central to the Aztec economy, with innovative techniques like chinampas (floating gardens) used to maximize crop production.
4. The Aztec society was highly stratified, with a clear hierarchy that included nobles, priests, warriors, and commoners, each having distinct roles and responsibilities.
5. Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés led an expedition that resulted in the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, marking the end of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonization in Mexico.

Review Questions

• How did the agricultural innovations of the Aztecs contribute to their civilization's growth and stability?
  • The agricultural innovations of the Aztecs, particularly their use of chinampas or floating gardens, played a crucial role in supporting their growing population. This technique allowed for year-round farming and increased crop yields by utilizing the nutrient-rich soil of Lake Texcoco. As a result, the surplus food production supported urbanization in Tenochtitlan and enabled the development of a complex society with specialized roles.
• Analyze the religious beliefs of the Aztecs and their significance in shaping their culture and society.
  • The religious beliefs of the Aztecs were deeply woven into every aspect of their lives, influencing social norms, governance, and artistic expression. Their polytheistic religion required regular rituals and sacrifices to appease gods like Quetzalcoatl, which reinforced social cohesion among communities. The emphasis on human sacrifice highlighted their belief in maintaining cosmic order and ensured that leaders could claim divine legitimacy.
• Evaluate the impact of European contact on the Aztec civilization and discuss how it transformed Mesoamerican history.
  • The arrival of Europeans, particularly Hernán Cortés in 1519, had a profound impact on the Aztec civilization. The resulting conquest led to significant demographic changes due to disease outbreaks like smallpox, which decimated indigenous populations. The fall of Tenochtitlan not only marked the end of Aztec rule but also paved the way for Spanish colonization and cultural changes that reshaped Mesoamerican history. The integration of European practices altered indigenous cultures profoundly while also leading to resistance movements against colonial rule.

Related terms

Tenochtitlan:

The capital city of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its impressive temples, canals, and bustling marketplaces.

Quetzalcoatl: A major deity in the Aztec religion, often depicted as a feathered serpent, symbolizing wind and wisdom, and associated with creation and culture.

Tribute System:

An economic and political system used by the Aztecs to collect tribute from conquered peoples, which included goods, labor, and military support.