Aztec Civilization and Tenochtitlan Overview

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Questions and Answers

How did the Aztecs decide to settle near Lake Texcoco?

The ancestors of the Aztecs settled on an island in Lake Texcoco because the legend says that the Aztecs would settle in a place where there is an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its mouth.

Who ordered the Mexicas to move and find a place for their city?

Huitzilopochtli

When was Tenochtitlan founded?

June 20, 1325

How did the Aztecs start their great capital city of Tenochtitlan?

After being forced to leave their home by the Culhuacan, they followed a sign from their god to a place surrounded by water where they built Tenochtitlan. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Aztec layout and architecture?

The Aztec layout and architecture were valuable, featuring large buildings for religious practices. Signup and view all the answers

Describe in as much detail as you can the geography of the Aztec territory.

There were a lot of mountains around the lake where the main city was located. Signup and view all the answers

What was the climate like?

Tenochtitlan's climate was almost always warm and temperate with a lot of rainfall. Signup and view all the answers

Does this region seem like a good place for farming? Why or why not?

Yes, because the Aztecs farmed many crops such as maize, beans, squash, chilies, and tomatoes. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the local fauna (animals) and flora (plants)?

Flora: sunflowers, cacti; Fauna: grasshoppers, dogs, fish, shellfish, jaguar, deer, turkeys, eagles, and frogs. Signup and view all the answers

What were the calpulli?

It is a unit below Altepetl, responsible for different religious tasks and operated schools for young men. Signup and view all the answers

What were the major classes of Aztec society?

The rulers, the nobles, and then the priests. Signup and view all the answers

How did clothing reflect a person's class?

The clothing varied; common people's clothing was simple, while the upper class wore ornate and beautiful attire. Signup and view all the answers

Which was the largest class?

The rulers Signup and view all the answers

Which was the smallest class?

The slaves Signup and view all the answers

Describe the lifestyle of the ruler.

The Aztec ruler was the highest person in society, lived a life full of fine clothing and money, and was responsible for leading and serving the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What were the major crops?

The major crops were maize, beans, and squash. Signup and view all the answers

How were fields prepared for growing the crops?

The Aztecs built irrigation systems, terraces on hillsides, and used fertilizers. Signup and view all the answers

Who worked in the fields?

The Aztec farmers Signup and view all the answers

What types of meat were eaten?

The Aztecs hunted for deer, rabbits, geese, and ducks, and raised animals like turkeys and dogs. Signup and view all the answers

How was corn usually prepared for a meal?

The corn was usually prepared into tortillas called tlaxcalli, wrapped around meat and vegetables to make tacos. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two kinds of Aztec schools?

The school for nobles, Calmecac, and the telpochcalli school for commoners. Signup and view all the answers

What was studied in each type of school?

In noble schools, they studied science, astronomy, art, writing, calendars, math, medicine, law, government, history, architecture, public speaking, and religion. Signup and view all the answers

Did girls go to school?

Yes, girls went to another Calmecac school, mainly training for marriage, while noble girls could assist in temples. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Aztec system of writing.

It is pictographic and ideographic with a number of logograms and syllabic signs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a codex?

An old book that was handwritten, on paper, vellum, or papyrus. Signup and view all the answers

How did Aztec boys train for warfare?

Boys were trained to become warriors and attended one of two different schools from ages 10 to 12. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main weapons used in battle?

The main weapon was a maquahuitl, a wooden sword, and they also used atlatls for longer combat. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the jaguars and eagles?

The eagle warriors were scouts and good fighters, while the jaguars functioned as infantry, often wearing jaguar skins. Signup and view all the answers

Did the Aztec soldiers kill their enemies or take prisoners?

True Signup and view all the answers

Why would they even consider taking prisoners?

They took prisoners for future sacrifices. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aztec Settlement and Tenochtitlan

Aztecs settled near Lake Texcoco based on a legend involving an eagle on a cactus holding a snake.
Huitzilopochtli directed Mexicas to find a new city location.
Tenochtitlan was founded on June 20, 1325, after following a divine sign.

Geography and Climate

Tenochtitlan was surrounded by mountains with a warm, temperate climate.
Annual rainfall approached 1833 mm, with average temperatures around 19.9°C.
The region was conducive to farming; significant crops included maize, beans, and squash.

Flora and Fauna

Local flora: sunflowers, cacti.
Local fauna: grasshoppers, dogs, fish, shellfish, jaguar, deer, turkeys, eagles, frogs.

Calpulli served as community units responsible for religious duties and education.
Major classes: rulers, nobles, and priests; the rulers were the highest class and the slaves were the lowest.
Clothing varied by class, with nobles wearing ornate garments, commoners in simpler attire, and military outfits being less elaborate.

Agriculture and Diet

Aztecs used advanced irrigation, built terraces, and applied fertilizers.
Fields around Lake Texcoco utilized for growing essential crops.
Diet included hunted meats (deer, rabbits, geese) and raised animals (turkeys, dogs), supplemented by insects.

Culinary Practices

Corn was often prepared as tortillas (tlaxcalli) and used to wrap meats and vegetables, seasoned with salt and peppers.

Education System

Two school types: Calmecac for nobles and Telpochcalli for commoners.
Noble schools focused on a broad curriculum, including science, astronomy, and religion.
Girls attended their own Calmecac, receiving training for domestic roles, with some becoming priestesses.

Writing and Codices

Aztec writing was pictographic and ideographic, employing logograms and syllabic signs.
Codex refers to an ancient handwritten book, produced on materials like paper, vellum, or papyrus.

Military and Warfare

Boys trained for warfare from a young age; training emphasized societal integration and combat skills.
Primary weapons included the maquahuitl (wooden sword) and atlatl for ranged attacks.
Jaguar and eagle warriors had distinct roles; eagles acted as scouts while jaguars formed the infantry, often donning jaguar skins.

Treatment of Enemies

Aztec soldiers engaged in both killing enemies and taking prisoners.
Prisoners were often used for sacrifices, a practice integral to Aztec religious and cultural beliefs.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of the Aztec civilization, focusing on the legendary founding of Tenochtitlan, its geography, climate, and social structure. Learn about the notable flora and fauna that thrived in this unique environment and how community units shaped Aztec society.