AIM: How did the Aztecs build a great Empire? Do Now: What are the advantages to living in the city below? HW: In a paragraph describe what your impression.

AIM: How did the Aztecs build a great Empire?

Do Now: What are the advantages to living in the city below?

HW: In a paragraph describe what your impression of the Aztec empire would be if you could go back in time and walk through one of their cities.

The Aztecs1200-1521

I. Geography1. South-central Mexico

A. Mountainous area.2. Tenochtitlan: Capital city

A. Island in present day Mexico City.B. Chinampas: “floating gardens”

II. Conquering Principals1. Conquered people could govern themselves.

A. Had to pay tribute (tax)2. Enemy Soldiers were used as sacrifice.

III. Religion1. Polytheistic – Over 1000 gods.

A. Huitzilopochtli – Sun Godi. Human sacrifice

What tradition from Aztec society is being depicted in this illustration?

Document 1

Why was human sacrifice needed according to Aztec beliefs?

Document 2

What advantages did Aztec society have over other Mesoamerican civilization?

Document 3

Why did warriors dress themselves in animal costumes in many cultures?

Document 4

How was the tribute system both a strength and a weakness?

How are the army & religious beliefs linked in the Aztec Empire?

How did human sacrifice hurt the Aztec Empire?

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