Aztec Achievements Flashcards

Study Notes

Aztec Achievements

Major accomplishments include the construction of Tenochtitlan, an island city with advanced infrastructure.
Three vital causeways connected Tenochtitlan to the mainland, facilitating trade and transportation.
The Aztecs adapted Mayan calendars into a 365-day solar calendar for agricultural planning and a 260-day sacred calendar for religious events.

Chinampas

Artificial islands known as chinampas were created for agriculture, enhancing food production.
Chinampas are still in use today, showcasing ancient agricultural techniques that endure.

Importance of Causeways

Causeways were essential for travel and commerce, linking the capital to surrounding areas and allowing the movement of goods and people.

Mayan Calendar Adaptations

The solar calendar was pivotal for farmers to plant and harvest based on seasonal changes.
The sacred calendar directed priests in predicting events and identifying auspicious days for various activities.

Aztec Arts

Diverse forms of artistry flourished, including poetry, music, dance, and sculpture, which reflected cultural values.
Music and dance played central roles in ceremonies and festivals, highlighting their significance in social and religious life.

Aztec Paintings

Artists used vibrant colors to depict gods and ceremonies, contributing to the spiritual and cultural narrative of the society.

Aztec Sculptures

Sculptors produced impressive stone statues and reliefs, often featuring lifelike representations of people and animals from stone and semiprecious materials.
Temples showcased elaborate carvings, emphasizing the community's artistic achievements.

Aztec Architecture

Massive stone temples exhibited advanced architectural skills, often featuring double stairways, exemplified by the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan.

Writing System

The Aztecs employed a writing system combining glyphs and pictographs to convey ideas and concepts visually.
For example, a shield and club symbolized warfare.

Spoken Language as Art

The spoken language was an art form, featuring dramatic expressions, the creation of new vocabulary, and the ability to communicate complex abstract ideas.

Description

Test your knowledge on the remarkable achievements of the Aztec civilization. This quiz covers key aspects such as their architectural feats, agricultural innovations, and the calendar systems they adapted. See how well you understand the contributions of the Aztecs today.