Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Aztec Geography?
In Central Mexico, the Aztec Empire was based in the Valley of Mexico.
Who were the Aztecs?
The Aztecs are named from Aztlán, referring to their origins in northern Mexico.
What is the capital of Aztec civilization called?
Tenochtitlan.
What were the Aztecs also known as?
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What are the Aztecs best known for?
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Where were the Aztecs located geographically?
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Who killed the Aztecs?
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What were some of the successful inventions of the Aztecs?
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What is the Aztec temple called?
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What is the religion of the Aztecs?
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Where did the Aztecs live in Mexico?
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What was the environment like for the Aztecs?
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Where did the Aztecs settle?
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How did chinampas benefit Aztec agriculture?
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What is Tenochtitlan?
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Study Notes
Aztec Geography
- Central Mexico, north of the Yucatán, supported the Aztec Empire in the Valley of Mexico, a high elevation valley.
- The Aztecs referred to themselves as Mexica, uniting them as one people in their mountainous region.
Identification of Aztecs
- The term "Aztecs" originates from Aztlán, which likely refers to their northern Mexican homeland.
Capital of the Aztec Empire
- Tenochtitlan, built on Lake Texcoco, is now known as Mexico City.
Alternate Names for the Aztecs
- Known as Tenochca (the source for Tenochtitlan) and Mexica (which later influenced the modern name of Mexico).
Contributions of the Aztecs
- Renowned for advanced agriculture, utilizing all land, irrigation techniques, and creating artificial islands (chinampas) in lakes.
- Developed a system of hieroglyphic writing, complex calendars, and monumental architecture including pyramids and temples.
Geography and Settlement
- The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico in the 12th century, quickly ascending to power.
- Tenochtitlan was established on raised islands in Lake Texcoco.
Fall of the Aztec Empire
- Hernán Cortés led the Spanish conquest, culminating in the capture of Tenochtitlan and Emperor Cuauhtemoc on August 13, 1521.
Notable Aztec Inventions
- Introduced mandatory universal education and significant discoveries like popcorn, chocolate, and antispasmodic medication.
Aztec Temples
- Temples, called Teocalli or "god houses," were central to Aztec religious practices, housing rituals and offerings to deities.
Aztec Religion
- Mesoamerican faith involving human sacrifice, intertwined with numerous festivals aligned with their calendar.
Environmental Context
- The civilization thrived in a mild climate, surrounded by high mountains and lakes providing essential resources.
Displacement and Settlement
- The Aztecs emerged as dominant in Mesoamerica, founding Tenochtitlan on small islands after a nomadic lifestyle.
Agricultural Innovation: Chinampas
- Chinampas were innovative farming methods employing small, rectangular plots on lake beds, enhancing agricultural productivity in the empire.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the geography of the Aztec Empire, including key locations and their significance. Explore how the landscape of Central Mexico influenced the development of this Mesoamerican civilization.
