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The Aztecs

In this lesson, students will explore the rich culture of the Aztecs, including their capital Tenochtitlan, religious beliefs, and practices, such as human sacrifice. They will learn about the historical context in which the Aztecs thrived, the city's size and significance, and the role of warfare in their society. Additionally, the lesson covers the arrival of Hernán Cortés and the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, highlighting the impact of superior weaponry and disease. Students will reflect on the complexities of Aztec civilization and its ultimate downfall.

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The Aztecs

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  1. The Aztecs In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: The Aztecs Tenochtitlan Religious Beliefs of the Aztecs Aztec Human Sacrifice Cortes E. Napp

  2. The Aztecs lived in central Mexico. E. Napp

  3. The Toltecs • The Toltecs built an empire in central Mexico around the same time as the Mayas. • Around 1160, the Aztecs destroyed the Toltec capital. • The Aztecs built a new capital called Tenochtitlan. E. Napp

  4. The Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was built on an island in Lake Texcoco in 1325. E. Napp

  5. Tenochtitlan • Over 200,000 Aztecs lived in the capital. • At that time, the capital was about five times larger than London, England. • The Aztec capital was a religious center as well as a bustling center for trade and commerce. E. Napp

  6. The Aztecs believed in many gods. They were polytheists. E. Napp

  7. Human Sacrifice • The Aztecs worshipped many gods. • The Aztecs believed that the god of the sun required human blood to rise. • Human sacrifice ensured that the sun would rise. E. Napp

  8. Aztec priests regularly engaged in human sacrifice to ensure that the sun would rise. E. Napp

  9. Aztec human sacrifice frequently occurred at the top of Aztec pyramids. E. Napp

  10. Warfare • For nearly 200 years, the Aztecs made war with neighboring ethnic groups. • Sometimes the Aztecs engaged in warfare simply to acquire victims for human sacrifice. • Skilled warriors were greatly valued in Aztec culture. E. Napp

  11. Cortes, a Spaniard, conquered the Aztecs in 1519. E. Napp

  12. The Spaniards had better weapons and horses. E. Napp

  13. Ultimately, Aztec society was destroyed by the superior weapons of the Spaniards and smallpox disease. E. Napp

  14. Questions for Reflection: • Who were the Aztecs and where did they live? • Describe the Aztec capital. • Why did the Aztecs engage in human sacrifice? • Who was Cortes and what did he do? • Why were the Aztecs defeated? E. Napp

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