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