Aztec

Definition

The Aztec civilization was a powerful Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Known for their advanced social structure, intricate religious beliefs, and monumental architecture, the Aztecs established a vast empire centered around their capital, Tenochtitlan. Their influence and achievements are essential to understanding the broader context of major Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Olmec.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire was one of the last great Mesoamerican civilizations before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, reaching its peak during the early 16th century.
2. The Aztecs practiced a polytheistic religion that included human sacrifices to appease their gods, reflecting their belief in the importance of maintaining cosmic order.
3. Their society was organized into a complex hierarchy with nobles, priests, warriors, and commoners, all contributing to the functioning of the empire.
4. Agriculture was central to Aztec life, with chinampas (floating gardens) allowing them to cultivate crops on the lakes surrounding Tenochtitlan.
5. The arrival of Hernán Cortés in 1519 led to the eventual downfall of the Aztec Empire due to military conquest and disease brought by Europeans.

Review Questions

• How did the geographic location of Tenochtitlan contribute to the power and influence of the Aztec Empire?
  • Tenochtitlan's location on an island in Lake Texcoco provided natural defenses against invasions, allowing the Aztecs to establish a stronghold in central Mexico. This strategic position enabled them to control trade routes and resources throughout the region. The city's advanced engineering, including canals and causeways, facilitated transportation and agriculture, which supported a large population and contributed to their military and political power.
• Discuss how the tribute system functioned within the Aztec Empire and its impact on both their economy and relationships with conquered peoples.
  • The tribute system was essential for maintaining the Aztec economy and political structure. Conquered peoples were required to pay tribute in goods such as food, textiles, and precious metals, which helped sustain the empire's wealth. This system created both dependence on and resentment among subject populations, as they were often exploited while simultaneously providing resources necessary for the Aztec elite. The effectiveness of this system played a crucial role in expanding Aztec influence across Mesoamerica.
• Evaluate the role of religion in Aztec society and its influence on both daily life and political power during their rule.
  • Religion was at the core of Aztec society, influencing every aspect of life from agriculture to politics. The belief in a pantheon of gods shaped their agricultural practices and ritual calendar, dictating when to plant crops or hold ceremonies. Human sacrifices were seen as vital to appeasing gods like Quetzalcoatl, reinforcing social hierarchies as priests held significant power. This intertwining of religion with governance not only legitimized rulers' authority but also united people under shared beliefs and practices, fostering cohesion within the empire.

Related terms

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

Quetzalcoatl: A prominent deity in Aztec religion, often depicted as a feathered serpent and associated with wind, knowledge, and the arts.

Tribute System: An economic and political system used by the Aztecs to exert control over conquered territories by requiring tribute in the form of goods and services.