Aztec Empire

Definition

The Aztec Empire was a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that thrived from the 14th to the early 16th centuries, primarily located in what is now central Mexico. Known for its rich cultural achievements, sophisticated social structure, and military prowess, the empire reached its peak under the rule of Moctezuma II, establishing a vast network of tribute and influence over surrounding regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire was established around 1428 through a triple alliance between the city-states of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan, which helped it dominate central Mexico.
2. The Aztecs practiced a polytheistic religion with a pantheon of gods, including Huitzilopochtli, requiring regular offerings and sacrifices to maintain cosmic balance.
3. Their economy was based on agriculture, with maize as a staple crop, supplemented by trade and tribute collected from conquered territories.
4. Aztec society was highly stratified, with a ruling class of nobles, priests, and warriors at the top, followed by merchants, artisans, farmers, and slaves.
5. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the decline of the Aztec Empire, ultimately leading to its fall in 1521.

Review Questions

• How did the political structure of the Aztec Empire contribute to its expansion and control over surrounding regions?
  • The political structure of the Aztec Empire was based on a powerful central authority in Tenochtitlan that coordinated military campaigns and tribute collection. The empire's expansion relied on alliances with other city-states and aggressive military tactics that allowed them to subjugate rivals. By establishing a tribute system, the Aztecs ensured economic support from conquered peoples while maintaining political dominance through both fear and loyalty.
• Discuss the significance of religion in Aztec society and how it influenced their cultural practices.
  • Religion played a crucial role in Aztec society, shaping their worldview and daily life. The belief in multiple gods required regular rituals, offerings, and human sacrifices to appease them, particularly Huitzilopochtli. This religious fervor influenced cultural practices such as art, festivals, and societal roles, as priests held significant power and were integral to maintaining social order through spiritual guidance.
• Evaluate the impact of Spanish colonization on the Aztec Empire and how it altered the region's history.
  • The Spanish colonization had a profound impact on the Aztec Empire, leading to its rapid decline and eventual collapse. The arrival of Hernán Cortés brought advanced weaponry, alliances with discontented indigenous groups, and diseases that decimated the population. This conquest not only resulted in the loss of Aztec sovereignty but also initiated a broader process of cultural exchange and conflict that transformed Mesoamerica's demographic and cultural landscape permanently.

Related terms

Tenochtitlan: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its impressive architecture and complex urban planning.

Tribute System: The economic and political system by which conquered peoples provided goods and services to the Aztecs in exchange for protection and autonomy.

Huitzilopochtli: The Aztec god of war and the sun, central to the religion and culture of the Aztec people, often associated with human sacrifice as a means of appeasing the gods.