Aztecs

1
Aztecs
2

• Bands of nomads migrated into the Valley of
  Mexico
• All tribes spoke a language called Nahuatl
• 1325 A.D. Aztecs found the city of Tenochtitlan
• The gods told them to look for an eagle perched
  on a cactus and to build the capital city on that
  spot( modern day Mexico City)
• Tribute- money paid to the Aztecs by conquered
  people
• Chinampas- man made islands on top of reed mats
  floating gardens

3
Aztec gods
4

• Aztec Society
• One single ruler was elected by priests,
  nobles, and military leaders.
• Hierarchy
• Nobles ruled over conquered provinces
• Warriors could become nobles through fighting
  well
• Middle class consisted of traders
• Most people were commoners who farmed
• Slaves and debtors were used as labor, yet had
  rights under Mayan law

5
Aztec Sacrifice
6

• Religion and Mythology
• Polytheistic
• Teotihuacan
• Well planned city containing the Pyramids of the
  Sun and Moon
• Fell to invaders
• The Aztecs believed their gods sacrificed
  themselves frequently for the good of the people
  
• A human was sacrificed daily so the sun would rise

7

• 365 day solar calendar and a 260 ritual calendar
• Doctors could treat illnesses and set broken
  bones
• The Aztecs enemies helped the Spanish fight
  against them