Aztecs Flashcards
Why were mountains considered sacred sites?
They were considered sacred sights because they
were thought to be closer to the gods the higher they
got. So they started to build pyramids with steps so that they can get closer to the gods.
Why did the Aztecs choose to make their home where they did?
They chose to build their homes where they did because their god Huitzilopochtli told them to keep travelling
Describe the landscape, including geography and climate.
The Aztecs lived in a desert that was not like the ones in Africa but more like a flat, dusty, dry, and with dead plants everywhere. There was also barely any water that they could drink because most of the water there was salty. It was also very hot and dry with barely any rain. They also lived in between of 2 mountains which would cause all the water to go into the lake that they lived on when it rained.
What is one benefit of the mountains and what are two drawbacks of the mountains?
One benefit of the mountains was that it was a spiritual place that would make them closer to the gods. But a drawback to it was that when it would rain it would cause all the water to flow into the lake that they lived on causing severe flash floods. Another drawback was that the mountains might block off clouds that would bring rain to the Aztecs.
How did the Aztecs use Lake Texcoco to protect them?
They used floating pieces of land to make paths to the main land and the islands. They could drop them at any time if they wanted to because they were being held in place with ropes and wooden planks.
Explain two ways the Aztecs altered the geography to help them survive.
They connected the five lakes to form one big lake which had a bit of it fresh water and the rest saltwater. They also made the floating pathways which made them be able to travel from the main land to the islands.
Where is modern day Mexico City located?
It is located in the Valley of Mexico.
Plateau
A flat top of a mountain where you can plant things.
Aztecs
An ancient civilisation that went extinct.
Aztlan
The homeland of the Aztecs.
Mexica
The original people who lived in the valley of mexico and the rulers of the Aztecs.
Nahua
The indigenous people of Mexico and El-Salvador
Huitzilopochtli
The sun and war god of the Aztecs.
Mesoamerica
Middle America which is the modern day Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica
Lake of Texcoco
The lake that the Aztecs made their city on.
