Aztecs

AIM: How did the Aztecs build a great Empire? Do Now: What are the advantages to living in the city below?

HW: In a paragraph describe what your impression of the Aztec empire would be if you could go back in time and walk through one of their cities.

The Aztecs 1200-1521

I. Geography 1. South-central Mexico A. Mountainous area. 2. Tenochtitlan: Capital city A. Island in present day Mexico City. B. Chinampas: “floating gardens” II. Conquering Principals 1. Conquered people could govern themselves. A. Had to pay tribute (tax) 2. Enemy Soldiers were used as sacrifice. III. Religion 1. Polytheistic – Over 1000 gods. A. Huitzilopochtli – Sun God i. Human sacrifice

Document 1

What tradition from Aztec society is being depicted in this illustration?

Document 2

Why was human sacrifice needed according to Aztec beliefs?

Document 3

What advantages did Aztec society have over other Mesoamerican civilization?

Document 4

Why did warriors dress themselves in animal costumes in many cultures?

Document 5

How was the tribute system both a strength and a weakness? How are the army & religious beliefs linked in the Aztec Empire? How did human sacrifice hurt the Aztec Empire?