AZTEC RISE TO POWER pg 249 By the

AZTEC RISE TO POWER pg 249 By the early 1500’s, The Aztec controlled most independent territories in Meso-America.

W O P ME O C E OB T W HO L U F ER • To be truly respected, Meso-American societies needed to be descendants of the Toltec. • Aztec Emperors formed alliances with other rulers. • Arranged marriages.

HOW D ID ? T I O D THEY • 1376 – Acamapichtli becomes leader of Aztec. – Son of Aztec noble & Culhuan Princess – Culhuans are descendants of Toltec • Married daughter of Culhua royal. • All future Aztec leaders are now descended from the Toltec

AZTEC GAIN POWER! • Aztec Ruler Itzcoatl forms triple alliance to fight rival Tepanec. • Itzcoatl becomes most powerful leader in the alliance • By 1465, only the Tlaxacan republic had not been conquered by the Aztec.

Conquering New Societies • Aztec life: A Culture of WAR • Aztec Goals of Battle: – Seek an honourable defeat for the enemy (and make them pay tribute/work for the empire) – Gain soldiers for Human Sacrifice to the God Huitzilopochtli.

Military Strategy • First conquered weaker societies to isolate the stronger altepetl (city-state). • Attacked temples, took hostages, negotiated tribute. • Forced people to worship their gods. • Brutally handled any disobedience from conquered people.

• Aztec continued to build power throughout the 15 th cent. • When a city state was defeated, it’s citizens were required to: – Promise allegiance to emperor – Pay tribute in goods or services – Worship Huitzilopochtli • Aztec did not reorganize conquered societies. They let people carry on their own beliefs and customs

Aztec Political Structure • • • Pipiltin – Aztec nobility Emperor was highest ranking noble. Chief of Internal Affairs (2 nd in command) Tlatoque ruled major towns and cities Tecutin ruled smaller areas. Tlatoque & Tecutin kept records, managed marketplace & resources, had authority over legal matters & were involved in selecting a successor when an emperor died