Aztecs

• 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

Aztec gods

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

Aztec Sacrifice

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

• 365 day solar calendar and a 260 ritual calendar

• Doctors could treat illnesses and set broken bones

• The Aztec’s enemies helped the Spanish fight against them