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