Aztecs

1. Aztecs

2. Beginnings • The Aztecs came from an area of Northwestern Mexico they called Aztlan. • In the late 1200s, they began to migrate south into the Valley of Mexico • The Aztec’s referred to themselves as Mexica or Tenochca.

5. Settling in the Valley of Mexico • When the Aztec’s arrived in the valley, there were no other major powers in the area. • There were many city-states that controlled all of the good farmland. • Eventually the Aztecs were forced into the swamplands of the valley. • They believed they would find a new home where they saw an eagle sitting on a cactus.

6. Settling in the Valley cont. • They found this sign on a island in lake Texcoco. • There they built their capital city Tenochtitlan. • “Place of the Prickly Pear” • This is also the site of Mexico City today

13. Building An Empire • The Aztecs began by working as soldiers for other city-states. • They then formed a “triple alliance” and began conquering neighboring city-states. • The Mexica and other members of the “triple alliance” became known as the “Aztec”

14. Building an Empire • Eventually between 6 and 12 million people lived under Aztec rule. • The Aztecs demanded tribute from the conquered city-states. • Paid in goods such as corn, gold, or jade. • Tribute: a forced payment in goods or labor

18. Aztec Society • Aztec society had three major social classes; Nobles, the intermediate classes, and the commoners. • The Nobles made up the smallest class, but had the most power. • They included, princes, military leaders, and priests

19. Aztec Society • Below the nobles was the intermediate class. • They included merchants and artisans Most people in Aztec society were part of the commoner class. • Some owned land • Slaves were at the bottom

27. Aztec Religion • Like the Mayans, the Aztecs practiced polytheism. • Polytheism: The belief in many gods. • Aztecs also shared several gods with the Mayans, Toltecs, and other older civilizations. • They had different names

28. Aztec Religion • Aztec life was dominated by religion • They believed in over 1000 gods and goddesses. • They had many religious ceremonies and festivals • Usually to ask the gods for a good harvest.

29. Aztec Religion • Like other Mesoamerican Civilizations, the Aztecs practiced Human Sacrifice. • The victims were usually captured warriors or slaves. • Historians disagree on the actual scale of sacrifice • The ceremonies for sacrifice could last up to a year. • Animals were also sacrificed. • Victims had their hearts cut out, usually at the top of the pyramid

35. Spanish Conquest • In 1519 Spanish explorer, Hernan Cortes, landed near Vera Cruz Mexico. • He arrived with 500 men, 13 horses, and a few cannons • He learned about the Aztecs from a translator, La Malinche, who he won in battle. • He then headed to Tenochtitlan to Conquer the Aztec Empire for Spain.

36. Spanish Conquest • On his way to the Aztec Capital, Cortes was able to gain allies from among the Aztec’s many enemies. • After being invited into the capital, Cortes and his army took the Aztec king hostage and began to attack Tenochtitlan. • After many battles throughout the Aztec Empire, Cortes and his armies conquered the Aztec Empire.