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Questions and Answers
What event marked the end of the Aztec Empire?
How did the Aztecs decide where to build Tenochtitlan?
What distinct method did the Aztecs use for transportation within Tenochtitlan?
What cycle did the Aztec calendar utilize for its religious ceremonies?
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What was the Binding Up of the Years in Aztec culture?
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Which of the following best describes the Aztecs' approach to warfare?
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What did the Aztecs primarily sacrifice to appease their gods?
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What did the Aztec calendar signify?
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What feature of Tenochtitlan facilitated transportation and trade?
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What contributed to the Aztec calendar's 260-day ritual cycle?
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Study Notes
Aztec Civilization Overview
- Established Tenochtitlan, present-day Mexico City, in 1325 A.D.
- Tenochtitlan served as the capital and center of the Aztec Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1520 by Hernan Cortes.
Foundation and Significance of Tenochtitlan
- The city was built after the Aztecs observed an eagle perched on a cactus, viewed as a divine sign, on marshy land by Lake Texcoco.
- Early infrastructure included causeways and canals, enhancing transportation to and from the city.
Warfare and Sacrificial Practices
- The Aztecs are recognized for their militaristic expansion through aggressive warfare.
- They had a notorious reputation for conducting human sacrifices, often involving heart removal, as rituals to honor their numerous deities.
Transportation Methods
- Developed dugout canoes for transportation across the valley's canals, lakes, and waterways, aiding in trade and movement of goods.
Aztec Calendar System
- Comprised of a 260-day ritual cycle and a 365-day civil cycle, showcasing their advanced astronomy.
- The calendar was divided into groups of 20 days, known as trecenas, with each day associated with a unique name, symbol, deity, and augury.
- Designated specific days for religious ceremonies and festivals, essential for religious and agricultural life.
Cycle and Celebration
- The ritual and civil calendar cycles aligned every 52 years, a momentous event called the Binding Up of the Years, celebrated through the New Fire Ceremony.
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Description
Explore the fascinating history of the Aztec civilization, including the establishment of their capital city, Tenochtitlan, in 1325 A.D. Learn about its significance until the Spanish conquest led by Hernan Cortes in 1520. Discover how the Aztecs interpreted the eagle on the cactus as a divine sign for their settlement.
