Aztec

Definition

The Aztec civilization was a powerful Mesoamerican culture that thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. Known for their impressive architecture, complex society, and polytheistic religion, the Aztecs played a crucial role in the history of the Americas, particularly during the era of European exploration and conquest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztecs developed a highly stratified society with a ruling class of nobles, priests, and warriors at the top and farmers and slaves at the bottom.
2. They practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals, believing it was essential to appease their gods and ensure agricultural fertility.
3. The Aztec Empire was established through military conquests, expanding its influence across much of central Mexico.
4. Their intricate calendar system was based on a combination of solar and ritual cycles, highlighting their advanced understanding of astronomy.
5. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the end for the Aztec Empire, culminating in its fall by 1521.

Review Questions

• How did the religious beliefs of the Aztecs influence their societal practices and governance?
  • The religious beliefs of the Aztecs were deeply intertwined with their societal practices and governance. They believed that their gods required regular offerings, including human sacrifices, to ensure agricultural fertility and maintain cosmic order. This led to a society where priests held significant power and influence over political leaders, as they conducted rituals that were deemed essential for the survival and prosperity of the state. The emphasis on religion shaped their laws, social hierarchy, and even military campaigns aimed at capturing prisoners for sacrifice.
• Discuss how the tribute system functioned within the Aztec Empire and its impact on their economy and political power.
  • The tribute system was a key mechanism for sustaining the Aztec Empire's economy and reinforcing its political power. Conquered peoples were required to pay tribute in various forms, such as food, textiles, or precious metals. This system not only enriched the empire but also helped maintain control over diverse territories by integrating them into the economic framework of the empire. The steady flow of goods allowed the Aztecs to support their large population and fund military campaigns while ensuring loyalty from subjugated groups through both coercion and rewards.
• Evaluate the consequences of Hernán Cortés's arrival in Tenochtitlan on the future trajectory of both the Aztec Empire and European colonial ambitions in the Americas.
  • Hernán Cortés's arrival in Tenochtitlan had profound consequences for both the Aztec Empire and European colonial ambitions. The initial encounters led to alliances with rival city-states against the Aztecs, ultimately resulting in their swift downfall by 1521. This event marked a significant turning point in history, as it opened up Mesoamerica to European colonization. The Spanish conquest not only decimated indigenous populations through violence and disease but also set a precedent for further European exploration and exploitation across the Americas. The fall of the Aztecs symbolized both an end to a rich indigenous culture and a new era of imperial expansion that would reshape global dynamics.

Related terms

Tenochtitlan:

The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco, renowned for its stunning temples, canals, and marketplaces.

Quetzalcoatl: A significant deity in Aztec religion, often associated with wind, air, and learning, believed to have a dual nature as both a creator and a god of the morning star.

Tribute System: A form of taxation where conquered peoples provided goods, labor, or services to the Aztec Empire, crucial for its economy and maintenance of power.