Aztec

Definition

The Aztec civilization was a powerful Mesoamerican culture that thrived from the 14th to the 16th century, primarily in what is now Mexico. Known for their rich mythology, advanced agricultural techniques, and monumental architecture, the Aztecs created an extensive empire through conquest and trade, influencing much of Mesoamerican history and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aztecs established a tribute system where conquered peoples had to pay taxes in goods or labor, significantly enriching the empire.
2. The society was highly stratified, with nobles, priests, and warriors holding prominent positions, while commoners worked in agriculture or as artisans.
3. Human sacrifice was a vital part of Aztec religion, believed to appease the gods and ensure agricultural fertility.
4. The Aztecs developed advanced agricultural practices, such as chinampas (floating gardens), which allowed for increased food production in swampy areas.
5. Their written language consisted of pictograms and ideograms recorded in codices, which served as important historical and cultural documents.

Review Questions

• How did the Aztec civilization utilize their agricultural advancements to support their growing empire?
  • The Aztec civilization employed innovative agricultural methods like chinampas, which were floating gardens that maximized the use of water and land in the swampy areas around Lake Texcoco. This technique allowed them to produce a surplus of food, which was crucial for sustaining their large population and supporting the needs of their expanding empire. The surplus also enabled trade with neighboring cultures, further strengthening their economic power and influence.
• Analyze the role of religion in Aztec society and how it influenced their political structure.
  • Religion was central to Aztec society and played a significant role in shaping their political structure. The rulers were often seen as divine representatives who conducted rituals to appease the gods. This connection between politics and religion legitimized their authority and reinforced social hierarchies. Human sacrifice was a key aspect of their religious practices, believed necessary to maintain cosmic order and ensure agricultural fertility, which further intertwined governance with spiritual duties.
• Evaluate the impact of the Aztec Empire's tribute system on its relationships with neighboring cultures and its eventual downfall.
  • The tribute system created by the Aztecs had a profound impact on their relationships with neighboring cultures. While it enriched the empire and allowed for economic expansion, it often fostered resentment among conquered peoples who were forced to pay tribute. This discontent contributed to alliances among indigenous groups that ultimately led to resistance against Aztec rule. When Spanish conquistadors arrived, this existing animosity helped them exploit divisions among these groups to facilitate the downfall of the Aztec Empire.

Related terms

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

Quetzalcoatl: A prominent deity in Aztec religion, often depicted as a feathered serpent, associated with wind, air, and learning.

Mesoamerican Ballgame: A ritualistic game played by various Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs, that held significant cultural and religious importance.