Aztec Empire

Definition

The Aztec Empire was a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Known for its advanced agricultural practices, complex social structures, and extensive trade networks, the empire was a major player in regional commerce and cultural exchange, which played a significant role in shaping the history of pre-Columbian America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire emerged around the early 14th century, eventually expanding to cover much of modern-day Mexico.
2. Trade was a vital part of the Aztec economy, with merchants traveling long distances to exchange goods like cacao, textiles, and ceramics.
3. The Aztec civilization was highly stratified, with a social hierarchy that included nobles, priests, warriors, and commoners.
4. The marketplace of Tenochtitlan was one of the largest in the world at the time, featuring a wide array of goods and services available for trade.
5. The empire fell to Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1521, marking a significant turning point in the history of Mesoamerica.

Review Questions

• How did trade networks contribute to the economic prosperity of the Aztec Empire?
  • Trade networks were essential for the economic prosperity of the Aztec Empire as they facilitated the exchange of goods and resources between various regions. Merchants played a crucial role in connecting different areas, bringing valuable items such as cacao and textiles into Tenochtitlan. The bustling marketplace not only served as a center for commerce but also helped integrate various cultures and ideas, enhancing the overall richness of Aztec society.
• Discuss the role of tribute in sustaining the power and influence of the Aztec Empire.
  • Tribute played a vital role in sustaining the power and influence of the Aztec Empire by providing essential resources and wealth from conquered regions. The Tribute System required subjugated peoples to deliver goods such as food, textiles, and precious metals to the ruling elite. This influx of resources enabled the Aztecs to maintain their military strength, support their religious practices, and fund impressive public works projects, ultimately reinforcing their dominance over Central Mexico.
• Evaluate how agricultural innovations like chinampas affected trade patterns within the Aztec Empire and its relationships with neighboring cultures.
  • Agricultural innovations such as chinampas significantly impacted trade patterns within the Aztec Empire by boosting food production and supporting a growing population. These floating gardens allowed for year-round cultivation, ensuring a stable food supply that not only fed the empire but also enabled surplus production for trade. As agricultural output increased, it facilitated stronger economic ties with neighboring cultures, leading to more complex trade relationships and cultural exchanges that enriched both the Aztecs and their partners.

Related terms

Tenochtitlan: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its impressive architecture and bustling marketplaces.

Tribute System: The economic system through which conquered peoples were required to pay tribute in goods and resources, supporting the wealth and power of the Aztec Empire.

Chinampas: A unique agricultural technique used by the Aztecs involving floating gardens built on the lake's surface to maximize crop production.