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The Aztecs

The Aztecs. The United States of Central America. Aztec Beginnings. Legend states they settled in the location where an eagle landed in front of the tribe carrying a snake in it’s beak. Built their city on a lake island ~ 1325 AD Grew to over 25 million in the mid 1330’s

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The Aztecs

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  1. The Aztecs The United States of Central America

  2. Aztec Beginnings • Legend states they settled in the location where an eagle landed in front of the tribe carrying a snake in it’s beak. • Built their city on a lake island ~ 1325 AD • Grew to over 25 million in the mid 1330’s • Eventually conquered areas around them but did not rule them (only asked for payment/tributes to their gods)

  3. Map of Aztec Dominance

  4. The City of Tenochtitlan • Founded on a marshy island on an inland lake • Emperors palace was in the centre with a grid-like road and canal system to move goods around the city • Four bridges connected the island to the mainland • At it’s height, 100,000 people lived on the island

  5. The City of Tenochtitlan

  6. Mexico City • Capital of Mexico was built over top of Tenochtitlan • The lake was eventually drained because of frequent flooding • Large underground tunnels keep water clear of Mexico City but now makes water sparse in the urban centre. • Only some ruins remain

  7. Aztec Hierarchy • Emperor was the ruler • Nobles and priests • Labourers/farmers • Slaves

  8. Aztec Merchants/Artisans & Slaves • Social class of their own • Married within their own • Often dealt in long-distance trade • The poor could sell themselves into slavery but could still own property and marry • Could be sacrificed if sold more than 3 times

  9. Aztec Religion • Believed in human sacrifice • Human hearts and blood were given to Sun God • God of Rain was given sacrifices of babies • Prisoners and slaves were sacrificed

  10. The Importance of Aztec War • Prisoners and slaves were needed for sacrifice so killing was not the goal • Weapons included bows/arrows, spears and clubs • All boys were expected to serve time as a warrior • Top warriors were named Jaguar Warriors or Eagle Warriors

  11. Aztec Children and Games • Child abuse was typical – it was considered a parent’s right • Went to school for history and religion (same-sex classes) • Played ball games like Tlachtli (hit ball with hips)

  12. Conquering the Aztecs • Aztec beliefs and isolation became a hindrance to themselves • believed their god, Quetzalcoatl, was to return on a certain year (1519) • They would shower him with gifts and sacrifice

  13. Conquering the Aztecs • Cuba sent a 600 man army under Hernan Cortes to conquer Mexico in 1519 • The army overwhelmed the Aztec because of “Guns, Germs and Steel”. • The Aztec did not want to kill any Spaniards. They wanted to capture them for sacrifice.

  14. Conquering the Aztecs • Instead of defending or attacking they showered Cortes with gifts • Only later did they realize that Quetzalcoatl was not just punishing the bad and weak – he was not their god at all! • Cortes conquered Aztecs with horses, guns, steel and small pox

  15. Conquering the Aztecs • Marched to Tenochtitlan with a large army • Equipped boats with guns/cannons and stormed the city • Cortez burned down Tenochtitlan and became first governor of Mexico which they called New Spain

  16. The Aztecs The United States of Central America

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