Transcript The Aztecs
THE AZTECS THE AZTECS Where did Aztecs come from? Nomadic tribe (Mashika) from N/NW Mexico Aztlan territory Source of Aztec name Wandered over 200 years before settling in the Valley of Mexico THE AZTECS Geography Extremely varied Sea level to 7,500 feet above sea level Surrounded by tropical rain forests High altitude = mild climate THE AZTECS Mercenary Nahauatl Soldier/warrior for hire Aztec language Nahauatl words you know: Acapulco Mexico Avocado Chocolate tomato THE AZTECS Developed glyphs Represented both ideas and sounds Limited in what could be expressed THE AZTECS Tenochtitlan Aztec city located on an island in Lake Texcoco Lake filled in over time Now Mexico City Capital of Mexico THE AZTECS Aztec Empire 1400’s Controlled region Established city-states Own government Distinct culture Three main ones: Tenochtitlan Texcoco Tiacopan 489 cities paid tribute and taxes THE AZTECS No attempt to unify No attempt to change customs of conquered people Military units to maintain control Great noble commanded each army Served as governor of area THE AZTECS Government Council of Nobles Chose emperor from members of royal family Most offices were hereditary Service to emperor was also way to gain high office THE AZTECS Montezuma I Greatest emperor Ruled 1440-1468/9 Expanded empire Spelled different ways Moctezuma Motecuhzoma Montezuma II Grandson Became emperor in 1502 Ruled at empires peak THE AZTECS Aztec Society Calpulli Large family group Everyone belonged to one Means “big house” Each calpulli owned plot of land Meet needs of members Government got part of harvest as tribute THE AZTECS Social Hierarchy 4 mail social classes Upper-class Nobles Owned land PLUS land of their calpulli Commoners Farmed the calpulli Made crafts Gave tribute in return for protection Serfs/Peasants Farmed land of nobles slaves Captives in war Criminals Citizens unable to pay debts Were servants or worked fields with serfs THE AZTECS 1% 1% 98% 18% warriors THE AZTECS Achievements Complex hierarchy Huge trade network Tribute system Sophisticated agricultural economy Intellectual Religious Chinampa THE AZTECS Spanish Invasion Hernando Cortes and army invaded Searching for gold Many of small city-states helped Resented paying tributes 1521 Aztecs destroyed