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The Aztecs Rise to Power

The Aztecs Rise to Power. Original Materials from TCI. The Aztec’s Rise to Power. 4.1A. Aztec Origins. Origins can be traced to Aztlan island . Entered Valley of Mexico in 1200’s the for unknown reasons. Considered vulgar by neighboring city states.

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The Aztecs Rise to Power

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  1. The Aztecs Rise to Power Original Materials from TCI

  2. The Aztec’s Rise to Power 4.1A

  3. Aztec Origins • Origins can be traced to Aztlan island. • Entered Valley of Mexico in 1200’s the for unknown reasons. • Considered vulgar by neighboring city states. • Served as mercenaries to nearby city-states. • Eventually fled to marshes of Lake Texcocoafter Coxcox declared war on them for sacrificing their daughter.

  4. Eagle and Cactus • They are symbols of a divine prophecy. • After building Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs destroyed most records of their past and created more favorable history. • Priests taught prophetic version of history: that the Aztecs were nomads who build Tenochtitlan on a spot designated by the gods.

  5. Life in a Hostile Environment • Used chinampas, “floating gardens” to produce their food supply. • Created canals to improve trade and transportation. • Discovered culinary delights in lake products, such as algae and ducks.

  6. Aztec Religious and Social Structures 4.1B

  7. Aztec Religion • Felt that life was uncertain and everyone was a the mercy of nature. • Attempted to placate gods w/sacrifice • Waited for return of Quetzalcoatl at end of calendar cycle (A.D. 1519).

  8. Royal Family • Emperors chosen from royal family based on merit. • Royal wives were greatly respected. • All members were expected to be dignified and brave.

  9. Nobles • Included priests, military, officers, government leaders. • Nobility not inherited; earned on battlefields or in pursuit of priesthood. • Held special privileges: fine clothes, beautiful homes, jewels, servants

  10. Merchants • Provided Tenochtitlan with imported goods (jade, quetzal feathers) • Traveled great distances (into Central America) to negotiate deals.

  11. Commoners • Included farmers, laborers, craftsmen, servants, and vendors • Lived in wards called calpullis (barrios).

  12. Serfs • Worked in fields or estates of the wealthy • Had freedom but, were considered inferior to commoners.

  13. Slaves • Had some legal rights; there was little stigma attached to slavery. • People could sell themselves into slavery to pay off debts or crimes.

  14. The Splendor of Tenochtitlan 4.1C

  15. The Floating City • Three causeways joined Tenochtitlan to the shores of Lake Texcoco. • Canals served as “roads” for canoes carrying people and goods. • City contained 80,000-250,000 people. • Clean: garbage barges, daily sweepers, daily baths

  16. Bustling Markets • At great market 60,000 people gathered daily. • Bartered for food (corn, armadillos) straw mats, cloth (cotton), and luxury items (feathers). • Cacao beans sometimes used as currency.

  17. Architectural Wonders • Double pyramid dedicated to Huizilopochtli and Tlaloc • Tzompantliheld thousands of human skulls. • Residences of nobles were very elaborate.

  18. Wrap-Up Assessment & Reflection

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