Questions and Answers
The Aztec civilization rivaled _______ in its sophistication.
Rome
Aztec sacrifices were important because without them they believed 'the ____ would refuse to rise and the universe die'.
sun
The Aztecs were chased to a swampy island called Lake Texcoco. That large valley is now the site of modern-day ______.
Mexico City
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, ______.
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What does Tenochtitlan honor with its structure?
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What did the mainland Tepanec tribe control that the Aztecs very much needed?
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What did the leader of the Aztecs do with the defeated Tepanec king's heart?
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How many times a day did the emperor bathe?
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By 1449, Montezuma I expanded the empire to contain how many people?
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Describe a chinampa.
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Pyramids at the center of Tenochtitlan, Temple Mayor, honored which gods?
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In 1519, Cortes sailed from Cuba to Mexico with 11 boats and 500 men. What did the Natives call the boats?
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What happened a week after the Spanish were in Tenochtitlan?
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What does 'Noche Triste' mean and represent?
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How many people died of disease after Cortes attacked Tenochtitlan?
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Cortes ended up marrying a chieftain's daughter who became his ____.
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
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.
