Wealth of the Aztecs? Flashcards
How did the Aztecs feed the large population?
With a population of over 3 million people, agriculture was a very important part of Aztec life.
The staple food was maize (corn) and beans. Maize was ground into flour to make flat bread (tortillas).
What did Aztecs eat?
Vegetables - Squash, tomatoes, various greens, avocados and prickly pear cacti
Herbs - Hot chillis, herbs, vanilla, honey and syrup from the maguey cactus
Meat (although consumed less often) - fish, deer, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, lizards, dogs and a variety of different insects
What were maguey cactuses used for?
Sap was used to make alcohol and treat wounds; and plant was turned into fibre to make ropes and cloth
What was cotton used for?
Cotton was used to make cloths, armour, bags, wall hangings and household items. It was even used to pay tribute!
What were 2 methods used for farming?
Gardens and Irrigation
What were gardens used to grow?
Land used to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs, spices and some maize. Household waste was used to fertilise the soil.
What were chinampas?
Artificial fields built along the edges of lakes and islands.
What was irrigation used for?
Canals and ditches were dug between the water source and the field so that water could get to the dry land and drain areas that were too wet.
How were chinampas made?
They were made by driving wooden stakes into a lakebed to create a barrier around a rectangular area. It was then filled with mud and plant material to form a raised field. Chinampas were complicated to build but the lake soil was very rich.
How many crops could chinampas yield a year?
Seven
What did craft workers provide?
Craft workers provided ordinary objects for daily life and luxury items which showed the status of their owners. The most highly regarded craft workers were those working in precious materials: the goldsmiths and feather workers and those who worked in jade, coral and turquoise.
What did they not have access to?
They did not have access to metal tools but used hard stones, string, wooden drills and abrasive powders.
What material did they use alot of particularly in order to make jewelry?
Obsidian, a natural volcanic glass, might be made into fine jewelry and mirrors, or used to make the points and edges of weapons, razors and knives.
What did some markets specialise in?
Some specialised in specific items like gold, dogs, luxury items or slaves
Where were markets held?
These were held in all Aztec towns and cities.
