Aztec

Definition

The Aztec civilization was a Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, known for its advanced architecture, complex societal structure, and rich religious practices. The Aztecs built impressive cities, such as Tenochtitlán, and developed a tribute system that connected various city-states, making them a dominant power in the region before the Spanish conquest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire was at its height in the early 16th century, shortly before Spanish conquest led by Hernán Cortés in 1519.
2. Aztecs practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals, believing it was essential to appease their gods and ensure agricultural fertility.
3. Their society was organized into classes, with nobles (pipiltin), commoners (macehualtin), and slaves (tlacotin) having distinct roles and privileges.
4. The Aztecs were skilled farmers who developed chinampas, or floating gardens, which allowed for efficient agricultural production on Lake Texcoco.
5. Artistic expression flourished in Aztec culture, evident in their elaborate sculptures, codices, and featherwork that depicted their gods and daily life.

Review Questions

• How did the tribute system contribute to the power and wealth of the Aztec Empire?
  • The tribute system was essential for the Aztec Empire as it allowed them to extract resources from conquered peoples, boosting their wealth and political power. By requiring tribute in the form of goods such as food, textiles, and luxury items from city-states under their control, the Aztecs could maintain their capital and support their large population. This economic system not only solidified their dominance but also reinforced social hierarchies within their society.
• Discuss the significance of Tenochtitlán as a cultural and political center of the Aztec civilization.
  • Tenochtitlán was not only the political capital of the Aztec Empire but also a vibrant cultural hub that showcased their achievements in architecture, art, and religion. The city's impressive layout featured canals and causeways that facilitated trade and transportation. Its grand temples served as centers for religious ceremonies that reflected the society's complex beliefs. Tenochtitlán's strategic location on Lake Texcoco allowed for agricultural innovations that supported its large population, making it a symbol of Aztec ingenuity.
• Evaluate the impact of Aztec religious practices on their society and its eventual downfall during Spanish conquest.
  • Aztec religious practices played a crucial role in shaping their society, fostering a worldview that prioritized sacrifices to appease gods like Quetzalcoatl. These beliefs created a deeply entrenched social order but also instilled fear among conquered peoples who had to endure sacrificial rituals. When the Spanish arrived with different religious ideologies, they exploited this fear by portraying themselves as liberators. The resulting conflicts not only weakened the Aztecs' unity but also led to disillusionment among subject nations who began to ally with the Spanish against their overlords.

Related terms

Tenochtitlán: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its intricate canals, temples, and large population.

Quetzalcoatl: A prominent deity in Aztec mythology represented as a feathered serpent, associated with wind, air, and learning.

Tribute System: A method of economic control used by the Aztecs where conquered peoples were required to pay tribute in the form of goods and services, fostering both wealth and social hierarchy.