Aztec

Definition

The Aztec civilization was a powerful and complex society that thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century, known for its advanced culture, architecture, and agricultural practices. The Aztecs established a vast empire centered around the city of Tenochtitlán, with a rich religious life, intricate social structures, and significant trade networks that influenced the development of Latin America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire reached its height in the early 16th century, controlling a vast territory that extended from central Mexico to parts of Guatemala.
2. The social structure of the Aztec society was hierarchical, consisting of nobles, priests, warriors, merchants, and commoners, with a strong emphasis on religion and military prowess.
3. Human sacrifice was an important religious practice for the Aztecs, believed to appease their gods and ensure the continuation of the world.
4. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the decline of the Aztec Empire, resulting in its eventual fall by 1521.
5. The Aztecs were skilled engineers and architects, creating impressive structures like the Templo Mayor and developing a sophisticated system of canals and causeways.

Review Questions

• How did the agricultural practices of the Aztecs contribute to their economic success and urban development?
  • The agricultural practices of the Aztecs were crucial to their economic success and urban development. They utilized innovative techniques such as chinampas, which allowed them to create floating gardens that maximized crop production on Lake Texcoco. This surplus in food supported a growing population in Tenochtitlán, facilitated trade with surrounding regions, and provided resources necessary for building a complex society with impressive architecture and a rich culture.
• Analyze the role of religion in Aztec society and how it influenced their political structure.
  • Religion played a central role in Aztec society, shaping their political structure and daily life. The ruling class often consisted of priests who held significant power due to their religious authority. The belief in numerous gods required regular offerings and rituals, including human sacrifices. This intertwining of religion and governance reinforced the authority of rulers who claimed divine support for their reigns and united various social classes under shared religious beliefs.
• Evaluate the impact of Spanish conquest on the Aztec civilization and its legacy in modern Mexico.
  • The Spanish conquest had a profound impact on the Aztec civilization, leading to its rapid decline and eventual collapse by 1521. The introduction of European diseases devastated the indigenous population, while military technology gave Spaniards a significant advantage. The legacy of the Aztecs continues to shape modern Mexico through cultural influences in language, art, and traditions. Furthermore, the ruins of Tenochtitlán serve as a testament to their architectural achievements and remain an important symbol of Mexican heritage.

Related terms

Tenochtitlán: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its impressive temples, canals, and vibrant markets.

Quetzalcoatl: A major deity in Aztec religion, often associated with wind, air, and learning, representing the duality of creation and destruction.

Chinampas: An innovative agricultural technique used by the Aztecs, involving the creation of floating gardens on Lake Texcoco to maximize farming output.