Aztecs: Engineering an Empire Flashcards

The Aztec civilization rivaled _______ in its sophistication.

Aztec sacrifices were important because without them they believed 'the ____ would refuse to rise and the universe die'.

The Aztecs were chased to a swampy island called Lake Texcoco. That large valley is now the site of modern-day ______.

Aztec King Tenoch had a vision and saw an 'eagle perched on a cactus' and declared this to be the site of their capital city, ______.

What does Tenochtitlan honor with its structure?

What did the mainland Tepanec tribe control that the Aztecs very much needed?

What did the leader of the Aztecs do with the defeated Tepanec king's heart?

How many times a day did the emperor bathe?

By 1449, Montezuma I expanded the empire to contain how many people?

Describe a chinampa.

Pyramids at the center of Tenochtitlan, Temple Mayor, honored which gods?

In 1519, Cortes sailed from Cuba to Mexico with 11 boats and 500 men. What did the Natives call the boats?

What happened a week after the Spanish were in Tenochtitlan?

What does 'Noche Triste' mean and represent?

How many people died of disease after Cortes attacked Tenochtitlan?

Cortes ended up marrying a chieftain's daughter who became his ____.

Aztec Civilization Overview

Aztecs rivaled Rome in sophistication and architectural achievements, including aqueducts, pyramids, and temples dedicated to gods.
The civilization believed sacrifices were crucial for the sun to rise and sustain the universe.

Geography and Capital

The Aztecs settled on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco, now known as Mexico City.
Tenochtitlan, the capital, was chosen based on a vision of an eagle on a cactus, symbolizing their identity.

Influences and Architecture

Tenochtitlan was inspired by Teotihuacan, located 25 miles to the north, known as the City of the Gods and believed to be the birthplace of the sun.
The central pyramid, Temple Mayor, was dedicated to the gods of rain and war.

Political Conflict and Expansion

The Aztecs engaged in conflict with the Tepanec tribe over vital water resources.
With the support of Texcoco leader Nezahualcoyotl, the Aztecs defeated the Tepanec and performed a sacrificial act by offering the king's heart to Lake Texcoco.

Society and Culture

The Emperor bathed twice a day, indicating the importance of cleanliness and ritual in their society.
During Montezuma I's reign, the empire grew to 15 million people by 1449, showcasing its vast expansion.

Agricultural Innovation

Chinampas, or floating islands, were crucial for agriculture and residential use, measuring approximately 300 feet long and 30 feet wide, interconnected by canals.

Spanish Conquest

In 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived with 11 ships and 500 men, which locals referred to as "mountains that move in the water."
Cortés gained entry into the Great Palace through an invitation from Montezuma II, who was later kidnapped by Spanish forces.

Conflict and Aftermath

"Noche Triste," meaning "The Sad Night," refers to the tragic retreat of the Spanish after they disrupted a sacred ceremony, resulting in over 400 conquistador deaths.
In May 1521, Cortés returned with 600 Spaniards, 100 cavalry, and 50,000 Native allies, leading to the fall of Tenochtitlan; disease later claimed 20 million Indigenous lives.

Personal Ties

Cortés formed an alliance through marriage with a chieftain's daughter, who became his interpreter, illustrating the interplay between conquests and cultural exchanges.

Test your knowledge of the Aztec civilization with these flashcards. Learn about their sophisticated engineering feats, significant sacrifices, and historical challenges. Perfect for anyone interested in Mesoamerican history.