Aztec Empire

Definition

The Aztec Empire was a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century, known for its rich culture, advanced agricultural practices, and intricate societal structure. At its peak, the empire was characterized by its capital city, Tenochtitlán, which was built on an island in Lake Texcoco and served as a major political and religious center. The empire ultimately fell to Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés, marking a significant moment in the era of Spanish colonization of the Americas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire was established in the early 14th century and rapidly expanded through military conquest and strategic alliances with neighboring city-states.
2. The economy of the Aztec Empire was heavily based on agriculture, especially the cultivation of maize, beans, and squash, supplemented by a thriving trade system.
3. The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice as part of their religious beliefs, believing it was essential to appease their gods and ensure the continuation of life.
4. Tenochtitlán was one of the largest cities in the world at its height, featuring a complex system of canals and causeways that facilitated trade and transportation.
5. The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire began in 1519 and was facilitated by alliances with rival indigenous groups, as well as the spread of diseases like smallpox that devastated the native population.

Review Questions

• How did the social structure of the Aztec Empire influence its governance and military conquests?
  • The social structure of the Aztec Empire was hierarchical, with an emperor at the top, followed by nobles, priests, warriors, commoners, and slaves. This structure enabled effective governance as nobles often held administrative roles and were responsible for local governance, while a strong warrior class facilitated military conquests. The interconnectedness of these classes allowed for a coordinated approach to expanding territory and maintaining control over conquered peoples.
• Discuss the role of religion in shaping Aztec society and its eventual encounter with Spanish colonizers.
  • Religion was central to Aztec society, dictating daily life, governance, and cultural practices. The Aztecs believed that maintaining favor with their gods through rituals such as human sacrifice was crucial for ensuring agricultural fertility and societal stability. When Spanish colonizers arrived, they misinterpreted these religious practices and sought to impose Christianity, leading to significant cultural clashes that contributed to the empire's downfall.
• Evaluate the impact of external factors such as disease and alliances on the collapse of the Aztec Empire during Spanish colonization.
  • The collapse of the Aztec Empire was significantly influenced by external factors like diseases brought by European colonizers, including smallpox, which decimated indigenous populations who had no immunity. Additionally, Hernán Cortés formed alliances with rival city-states discontented with Aztec rule, which helped him build a coalition against them. These combined elements created a weakened state unable to resist conquest effectively, leading to the rapid fall of one of Mesoamerica's most powerful civilizations.

Related terms

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

Hernán Cortés:

The Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire and claimed Mexico for Spain.

Quetzalcoatl:

A prominent deity in Aztec mythology, often depicted as a feathered serpent, who was associated with wind, air, and learning.