The Aztecs Rise to Power Original Materials from TCI
Feb 23, 2016
The Aztecs Rise to Power
Original Materials from TCI
The Aztec’s Rise to Power
4.1A
Aztec Origins
• Origins can be traced to Aztlan island.• Entered Valley of Mexico in 1200’s the for
unknown reasons.• Considered vulgar by neighboring city states.• Served as mercenaries to nearby city-states. • Eventually fled to marshes of Lake Texcoco
after Coxcox declared war on them for sacrificing their daughter.
Eagle and Cactus
• They are symbols of a divine prophecy. • After building Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs
destroyed most records of their past and created more favorable history.
• Priests taught prophetic version of history: that the Aztecs were nomads who build Tenochtitlan on a spot designated by the gods.
Life in a Hostile Environment
• Used chinampas, “floating gardens” to produce their food supply.
• Created canals to improve trade and transportation.
• Discovered culinary delights in lake products, such as algae and ducks.
Aztec Religious and Social Structures
4.1B
Aztec Religion
• Felt that life was uncertain and everyone was a the mercy of nature.
• Attempted to placate gods w/sacrifice• Waited for return of Quetzalcoatl at end of
calendar cycle (A.D. 1519).
Royal Family
• Emperors chosen from royal family based on merit.
• Royal wives were greatly respected. • All members were expected to be dignified
and brave.
Nobles
• Included priests, military, officers, government leaders.
• Nobility not inherited; earned on battlefields or in pursuit of priesthood.
• Held special privileges: fine clothes, beautiful homes, jewels, servants
Merchants
• Provided Tenochtitlan with imported goods (jade, quetzal feathers)
• Traveled great distances (into Central America) to negotiate deals.
Commoners
• Included farmers, laborers, craftsmen, servants, and vendors
• Lived in wards called calpullis (barrios).
Serfs
• Worked in fields or estates of the wealthy• Had freedom but, were considered inferior to
commoners.
Slaves
• Had some legal rights; there was little stigma attached to slavery.
• People could sell themselves into slavery to pay off debts or crimes.
The Splendor of Tenochtitlan
4.1C
The Floating City
• Three causeways joined Tenochtitlan to the shores of Lake Texcoco.
• Canals served as “roads” for canoes carrying people and goods.
• City contained 80,000-250,000 people. • Clean: garbage barges, daily sweepers, daily
baths
Bustling Markets
• At great market 60,000 people gathered daily.• Bartered for food (corn, armadillos) straw
mats, cloth (cotton), and luxury items (feathers).
• Cacao beans sometimes used as currency.
Architectural Wonders
• Double pyramid dedicated to Huizilopochtli and Tlaloc
• Tzompantli held thousands of human skulls.• Residences of nobles were very elaborate.
Wrap-Up
Assessment & Reflection