The Aztecs

Who were the Aztecs?

The Aztecs were the Native American people who ruled over Mexico for 94 years, from 1427 - 1521. They had a large empire that lasted around 200 years. They had a rich mythology and a strong heritage. They had

many gods and it was common for them to have human sacrifices to the gods.

What are they famous for?They were famous for many things including their farming techniques, introducing irrigation, draining swamps, and creating artificial

islands in the lakes. They created a type of hieroglyphic writing, a complex calendar system, and built famous pyramids and

temples.

How they influenced modern day life

The Aztecs influenced how we live now a lot. Their culture introduced us to many things that we still use today, such as the medicine they created. They used many

herbs, steam baths, and had many ways to help fix injuries such as splints. Another way they influenced todays life was by

trade and farming. They were also one of the only tribes to speak many different

languages. A lot of the inventions that were introduced by the Aztecs have been

recreated in more advanced ways to suit how we live now.

Finding MexicoIn 1300 CE, a tribe of Indians (called the Aztecs) came across the valley of Mexico. They walked around the valley until they came across an eagle with a snake in its mouth. They believed that this was a sign from their gods to start to build their village here. As they explored this area, they discovered

that many tribes had already taken up most of the areas with the best land. It was because if this that they had to

make do with building an island in lake Tenochtitlan.

Their new environment

They were very good at adapting to new environments as they were always moving their tribes across the globe, and it wasn't long before they started building boats like canoes to fish, and hunt animals that lived in or around the lake.

They found many food sources and their empire grew and grew.

The Aztec empire

They realised that their neighbouring tribes had many valuable items and it wasn't long before they started to invade them and expanded their empire. The Aztecs were strong warriors and conquered many tribes. These tribes then became part of the

aztec empire, and in some cases even provided people for the Aztecs to sacrifice to the gods.

The Spanish

Around 200 years later, Spanish soldiers arrived in the valley and overtook the Aztecs. They did this with their guns and horses. Although the Aztecs were strong warriors, they had no immunity to the diseases that

the foreigners brought. It was because of this that the Aztecs lost the battle and lost their empire.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_conquest_of_the_Aztec_Empire

http://www.angelfire.com/az/atid410/

http://www.history.com/topics/aztecs

http://aztecs.mrdonn.org/quick-history.html

http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/aztec.html

Bibliography