Podcast
Questions and Answers
How did the Aztecs decide to settle near Lake Texcoco?
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?
Who ordered the Mexicas to move and find a place for their city?
Huitzilopochtli
When was Tenochtitlan founded?
When was Tenochtitlan founded?
June 20, 1325
How did the Aztecs start their great capital city of Tenochtitlan?
How did the Aztecs start their great capital city of Tenochtitlan?
How was the Aztec layout and architecture?
How was the Aztec layout and architecture?
Describe in as much detail as you can the geography of the Aztec territory.
Describe in as much detail as you can the geography of the Aztec territory.
What was the climate like?
What was the climate like?
Does this region seem like a good place for farming? Why or why not?
Does this region seem like a good place for farming? Why or why not?
What were some of the local fauna (animals) and flora (plants)?
What were some of the local fauna (animals) and flora (plants)?
What were the calpulli?
What were the calpulli?
What were the major classes of Aztec society?
What were the major classes of Aztec society?
How did clothing reflect a person's class?
How did clothing reflect a person's class?
Which was the largest class?
Which was the largest class?
Which was the smallest class?
Which was the smallest class?
Describe the lifestyle of the ruler.
Describe the lifestyle of the ruler.
What were the major crops?
What were the major crops?
How were fields prepared for growing the crops?
How were fields prepared for growing the crops?
Who worked in the fields?
Who worked in the fields?
What types of meat were eaten?
What types of meat were eaten?
How was corn usually prepared for a meal?
How was corn usually prepared for a meal?
What were the two kinds of Aztec schools?
What were the two kinds of Aztec schools?
What was studied in each type of school?
What was studied in each type of school?
Did girls go to school?
Did girls go to school?
Describe the Aztec system of writing.
Describe the Aztec system of writing.
What is a codex?
What is a codex?
How did Aztec boys train for warfare?
How did Aztec boys train for warfare?
What were the main weapons used in battle?
What were the main weapons used in battle?
Who were the jaguars and eagles?
Who were the jaguars and eagles?
Did the Aztec soldiers kill their enemies or take prisoners?
Did the Aztec soldiers kill their enemies or take prisoners?
Why would they even consider taking prisoners?
Why would they even consider taking prisoners?
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.
Social Structure
- 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.
