Aztec

Definition

The Aztec civilization was a powerful Mesoamerican culture that flourished from the 14th to the 16th centuries in what is now central Mexico. Known for their impressive architectural achievements, religious practices, and complex social structures, the Aztecs created an empire that became one of the most advanced and influential civilizations in the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire reached its peak under the rule of Moctezuma II in the early 16th century, expanding through military conquest and alliances.
2. Aztec society was structured hierarchically, with an emperor at the top, followed by nobles, priests, warriors, merchants, and farmers.
3. The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals, believing it was necessary to appease their gods and ensure the continuation of the world.
4. Agriculture was vital to the Aztec economy, with innovative techniques like chinampas (floating gardens) used to maximize crop production.
5. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the decline of the Aztec Empire due to warfare and disease.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the architectural achievements of the Aztec civilization with other Mesoamerican cultures.
  • The Aztecs are renowned for their monumental architecture, particularly evident in their capital city Tenochtitlan. They constructed grand temples such as the Templo Mayor, showcasing intricate stone carvings and a layout that reflected their cosmology. Unlike some earlier Mesoamerican cultures like the Olmecs or Maya, who also built impressive structures, the Aztecs emphasized urban planning that integrated canals and causeways, making Tenochtitlan a unique example of advanced engineering in a lake setting.
• Evaluate the significance of human sacrifice in Aztec culture and how it influenced their social structure and religious beliefs.
  • Human sacrifice was central to Aztec religion and society, believed to be essential for appeasing gods like Huitzilopochtli to ensure agricultural fertility and cosmic order. This practice reinforced social hierarchies as warriors captured for sacrifice gained prestige while fulfilling a religious duty. The need for sacrificial victims also led to military conquests, intertwining warfare with spiritual beliefs, which ultimately shaped both their culture and expansionist policies.
• Analyze the factors that contributed to the fall of the Aztec Empire in relation to Spanish colonization efforts.
  • The fall of the Aztec Empire was influenced by a mix of internal weaknesses and external pressures. The arrival of Hernán Cortés in 1519 took advantage of existing rivalries among indigenous groups. Furthermore, diseases such as smallpox decimated the population, severely weakening their capacity for resistance. The combination of advanced European weaponry and strategic alliances with local enemies of the Aztecs led to a swift conquest. This dramatic shift not only ended the empire but also marked a significant turning point in Mesoamerican history as European powers expanded their influence.

Related terms

Tenochtitlan:

The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its stunning temples and sophisticated urban planning.

Quetzalcoatl: A major deity in Aztec mythology, often associated with wind, air, and learning, representing the duality of life and death.

Tribute System:

The economic system used by the Aztecs, where conquered peoples were required to pay tribute in goods or labor to support the empire's wealth and military.