Facts of the Aztecs

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Background Info

• The Toltec culture was integrated with the Aztecs
• The feathered serpent was the Aztecs main god that inspired them to conquer other tribes in its name.
• Obsidian was used for weapons and gifts to be traded.
• Toltec culture spread all along the present-day Mexico area.
• Toltec empire destroyed at 1150 by invaders from North.
• The Aztecs viewed them as “Givers” of civilization.
• Aztec Jaguar warrior & Eagle warriors held high position in the military.
• Aztecs another name is Mexica.
• Aztecs established by a prophecy with an eagle and a serpent on a cactus.

The Aztecs (1325 to 1521)

Political control of the populous and agriculturally rich central valley of Mexico fell into confusion after 1100. Gradually assuming ever-greater power were the Aztecs, probably a northern tribe that had migrated to the valley and occupied a minor town on the shore of the great central lake. They were a society that valued the skills of warriors above all others, and this emphasis gave them an advantage against rival tribes in the region. By the end of the 15th century, the Aztecs controlled all of central Mexico as a military empire that collected tribute from rivals.

The Aztec culture drew upon the experience of those that came before it and invented little that was new. They had an advanced agriculture that supported a very large population. They built immense buildings of grand design and flourished in many arts. They were adept metal workers, but had no iron. Lacking any suitable draft animal (pack animals), they made no motive use of the wheel.

One of the distinctive features of the Aztec culture was its penchant for sacrifice. Aztec myths dictated that human blood is fed to the Sun to give it the strength to rise each day. Human sacrifices were conducted on a grand scale; several thousand in a single day were not uncommon. Victims were often decapitated or flayed, and hearts were cut from living victims. Sacrifices were conducted at the top of tall pyramids to be close to the sun and blood flowed down the steps. Although the Aztec economy was based primarily on corn (or maize), the people believed that crops depended on the regular provision of sacrificial blood.

The incessant demand for sacrificial victims meant that the Aztecs tolerated loose control over satellite cities because frequent revolts offered opportunities for capturing new victims. During times of peace, “garland wars” were arranged strictly as contests of courage and warrior skill, and for the purpose of capturing victims. They fought with wooden clubs to maim and stun, rather than kill. When fighting to kill, the clubs were studded with obsidian blades.

Despite their great agriculture and arts, the Aztecs appear in retrospect to have been a waning society. They passed on no significant technology or ideas of religion or political theory. Their civilization was brought to an abrupt end by the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century. Already devastated by European disease passed by early traders, they fell to a small Spanish army armed with steel weapons, firearms, and riding a few horses. The cruelty of the Aztecs contributed to their downfall by making it easy for the Spanish to enlist allies among the non-Aztecs in Mexico.

• Aztecs called their city sacred space or foundation of heaven.
• Tenochtitlan was the largest city (5 square miles) and had markets that were comparable to Rome or Constantinople.
• Calpulli or Kin group maintained each part of the city they had power over.
• Chinampas or “floating gardens” was build and put on the lake for agricultural purposes in Tenochtitlan.
• Had calendar system and crop rotating system.
• Pochteca or special merchants that did all the long distance trade.
• Clans existed in Aztec society but were later changed because Nobility class emerged.
• Rank in military achieved through capturing enemy soldiers for sacrifice.
• Each conquered [people had representatives to have a say in the government. The emperor was “elected” by a governing counsel from the same noble royal family line.
• Aztec ruler and royal advisors had the real power
• Priests also had some power to some extend.

Source: http://www.freewebs.com/worldtrade/theaztecs.htm