The Aztecs Applying G R A P E

The Aztecs Applying G. R. A. P. E. S.

Geography � The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico on a small island in Lake Texcoco. � They built the city of Tenochtitlan, now present day Mexico City. � The land was swampy, so they built chinampas or raised garden beds.

Tenochtitlan

Chinampas

Floating Gardens

Religion � The Aztecs worshipped many gods (Polytheism) � They believed in about 1, 000 gods � Main gods: Huitzilopochtli – sun god, Tlaloc -god of rain, Quetzalcoatl- god of wind (bird/serpent). � Practiced human sacrifice.

Huitzilopochtli

Quetzalcoatl

Tlaloc

Human Sacrifice

Achievements � The Aztecs dug canals and built aquaducts to bring fresh water to the city. � They also built bridges and causeways � They built great pyramids and temples � They had a number and writing system/codex � The Aztec Calendar.

Aztec Pyramid

Aztec Days

Aztec Calendar

Aztec Sun Stone

Politics � By 1500’s, the Aztecs had a great empire and ruled between 6 to 12 million people. � From the people they conquered, the Aztecs demanded tribute (taxes). � Montezuma II- most famous Aztec emperor.

Montezuma II

Economics The Aztecs traded for goods they could not get locally, especially wood and stone for building. � They also used cacao beans as a form of money. �

Aztec Merchants

Cacao Beans

Social Structures � Three main classes formed Aztec society � The Emperor/Nobles/Priest lived in luxury � The middle class-merchants/skilled artisans � The commoners-Farmers/Warriors � Slaves, prisoners of war � Women had few rights

Aztec Society