The Aztecs Flashcards
Where were the Aztecs based?
Central Mexico
Who were the Aztecs compared to in terms of civilization development?
The Mayas
What did the Aztecs do upon their arrival in the area?
Conquered the original occupants and surrounding areas
What role did the Aztecs establish for themselves in the valley of Mexico?
Supreme leaders
What significant event occurred when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century?
The Aztecs dominated a large part of Mesoamerica
According to Aztec legend, where did they arrive from?
The northwest
What sign did the Aztecs believe foretold them to settle?
An eagle with a snake in its mouth landing on a cactus
What was the name of the settlement established by the Aztecs?
Tenochtitlan
Fill in the blank: The Aztecs believed the eagle was a sign from their god _______.
Huitzilopochtli
When was Texcoco established?
Texcoco was established in about 1325 CE.
What is the significance of Texcoco?
It marked the beginning of what is now Mexico City.
What are the main social classes in Aztec society?
The main social classes are: Ruler or Emperor and his family, Nobles, Merchants/Artisans, Commoners/Peasants, and Slaves.
Who ruled the Aztec Empire?
The Aztec Empire was ruled by a supreme ruler or emperor.
What responsibilities did the Aztec ruler have?
The ruler had both religious and political duties.
What happened in conquered territories?
In conquered territories, the Aztecs usually left the ruling families in place with the understanding that they would provide tribute.
What form of tribute did the conquered territories provide?
Tribute was provided in the form of goods and labor to the Aztec overlords.
What are the two main classes of people in Aztec society?
The two main classes of people in Aztec society are merchants and artisans. Below the commoners was another group, the slaves.
What is the timeline of the Teotihuacán Civilization?
The Teotihuacán Civilization existed from 200 B.C. to A.D. 700.
What is the timeline of the Maya Civilization?
The Maya Civilization existed from 200 B.C. to A.D. 900.
What is the timeline of the Toltec Civilization?
The Toltec Civilization existed from A.D. 900 to A.D. 1100.
What is the timeline of the Aztec Civilization?
The Aztec Civilization existed from A.D. 1400 to A.D. 1521.
What is the main city of the Aztec Civilization?
The main city of the Aztec Civilization is Tenochtitlan.
What are some other notable cities associated with the Aztec Civilization?
Other notable cities include Tula, Texcoco, and Tacuba.
What was the Aztec economy heavily dependent on
Trade
Cultivation of crops in a unique system called
Chinampas
What were chinampas made out of
Branches roots and brushwood covered with fertile soil from the lake bottom
Their staple crop was
Maize
