The AztecsThe 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

Eventually conquered areas around them but did not rule them (only asked for payment/tributes to their gods)

Map of Aztec Dominance

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

The City of Tenochtitlan

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

Aztec Hierarchy

1. Emperor was the ruler

2. Nobles and priests

3. Labourers/farmers

4. Slaves

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

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

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

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)

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

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.

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

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

The AztecsThe United States of

Central America