Aztec Empire

Definition

The Aztec Empire was a powerful Mesoamerican civilization that flourished from the 14th to the 16th centuries, known for its impressive architecture, complex societal structures, and military conquests. Centered around the Valley of Mexico, this empire expanded through warfare and alliances, becoming one of the largest and most influential empires in pre-Columbian America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztec Empire was established by the Mexica people, who migrated to the Valley of Mexico in the early 14th century.
2. The empire's expansion was marked by a series of military campaigns that subjugated neighboring city-states and integrated them into the Aztec political structure.
3. Religion played a central role in Aztec society, with human sacrifices often performed to appease gods and ensure agricultural fertility.
4. The Aztecs had a highly organized military structure, with a ranking system that promoted merit-based advancement for warriors based on their achievements in battle.
5. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of the decline of the Aztec Empire, culminating in its fall in 1521.

Review Questions

• How did warfare influence the expansion and power dynamics within the Aztec Empire?
  • Warfare was essential for the expansion of the Aztec Empire as it enabled them to conquer neighboring city-states and integrate diverse populations into their political framework. Through military campaigns, the Aztecs established dominance over vast territories, which allowed them to control valuable resources and trade routes. The tribute system that followed these conquests further solidified their power by economically enriching the empire and reinforcing social hierarchies.
• Discuss the significance of human sacrifice in Aztec culture and its impact on their military practices.
  • Human sacrifice held great significance in Aztec culture as it was believed to be necessary to appease their gods and maintain cosmic balance. This ritualistic practice was deeply intertwined with their military endeavors; successful conquests provided captives for sacrifice, reinforcing warrior status and inspiring fear among enemies. The emphasis on sacrifice not only motivated soldiers to perform bravely in battle but also strengthened societal cohesion around shared religious beliefs.
• Evaluate the consequences of European contact on the Aztec Empire's social, political, and economic systems.
  • European contact had profound consequences for the Aztec Empire, leading to its rapid decline and eventual collapse. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors introduced new diseases that decimated the indigenous population, undermining the empire's labor force and social structure. Politically, alliances formed by Hernán Cortés with rival tribes weakened the Aztecs' control over their territories. Economically, the looting of Tenochtitlan disrupted trade networks, leading to instability that contributed significantly to the fall of one of Mesoamerica's greatest civilizations.

Related terms

Tenochtitlan: The capital city of the Aztec Empire, built on an island in Lake Texcoco, known for its grand temples, palaces, and advanced infrastructure.

Tribute System: A system used by the Aztecs to collect taxes from conquered peoples, requiring them to pay in goods or labor, which supported the empire's economy and military.

Eagle Warriors: Elite Aztec warriors who were recognized for their bravery in battle and played a crucial role in expanding the empire through conquest.