Aztec Empire

Definition

The Aztec Empire was a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that flourished from the 14th to the 16th centuries, centered in what is now Mexico City. Known for its advanced agricultural techniques, complex social structure, and impressive architecture, the empire played a significant role during the Age of Exploration, particularly as European powers sought new territories and resources in the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire was established through a series of alliances and conquests among various city-states in the region.
2. Agriculture was vital to the Aztec economy, with innovative farming techniques like chinampas, which were floating gardens that maximized crop production.
3. The Aztecs developed a rich cultural life, including a complex calendar system, impressive artwork, and monumental architecture such as pyramids.
4. In 1519, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico and ultimately led an expedition that resulted in the fall of Tenochtitlan and the end of the Aztec Empire in 1521.
5. The arrival of Europeans brought devastating diseases like smallpox, which significantly weakened the Aztec population and facilitated conquest.

Review Questions

• How did the political structure of the Aztec Empire contribute to its expansion and power?
  • The Aztec Empire was characterized by a strong centralized government led by an emperor who held both political and religious authority. The empire expanded through strategic alliances and military conquests of neighboring city-states, allowing it to increase its territory and influence. This political structure enabled the Aztecs to manage a diverse population while effectively coordinating military campaigns to acquire more land and resources.
• Discuss the significance of agriculture in sustaining the Aztec Empire and how it influenced their society.
  • Agriculture was foundational to the Aztec Empire's economy and sustainability. The use of advanced farming techniques like chinampas allowed for high crop yields, supporting a large population. This agricultural surplus not only fed the citizens but also supported trade with other regions, fostering economic growth and social stratification within their society. The importance of agriculture is reflected in their religious practices as well, with gods associated with fertility and harvests being central to their beliefs.
• Evaluate the impact of European exploration on the Aztec Empire and how this encounter reshaped Mesoamerican history.
  • The arrival of European explorers marked a turning point for the Aztec Empire, leading to its rapid decline and eventual collapse. Hernán Cortés’s conquest exposed the empire to new diseases that devastated its population, undermined its military power, and created social unrest. The resulting power vacuum allowed for European colonization, fundamentally altering Mesoamerican history as Spanish rule imposed new political systems, economies, and cultures on the indigenous peoples. This encounter initiated significant changes that would reshape social structures across the continent for centuries to come.

Related terms

Tenochtitlan: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its elaborate temples and canals.

Huitzilopochtli: The Aztec god of war and the sun, central to Aztec religion, whose worship included human sacrifices.

Conquistadors: Spanish explorers and conquerors who played a key role in the colonization of the Americas, including the downfall of the Aztec Empire.