1. THE AZTEC EMPIRE 1200s-1521

2. EXPANSION OF THE AZTECS 1315 founded capital city of Tenochtitlan—modern day Mexico City 1400s used conquests and alliances to build a massive empire Became wealthy from tribute system—payment taken from conquered people By 1500s empire covered most of Mexico and included 30 million people CREATED A LARGE EMPIRE LOCATED IN CENTRAL MEXICO

3. SOCIAL STRUCTURE ruled by one emperor Warriors were below nobles but could rise to the noble class. Farmers and Slaves—most people were farmers, slaves—criminals or enemy soldiers captured in war—slaves could own land and buy their freedom HIERARCHY AZTEC WARRIOR

4. Aztec Religious Beliefs Quetzalcoatl— Aztec god who took the form of a feathered serpent built huge pyramid in the center of Tenochtitlan to honor the sun god. offered thousands of human sacrifices to the gods. The Aztecs had 18 months in one cycle, and for each of the 18 months there was ritual sacrifice. The victim was part of the ritual, placed on a slab where their heart would be removed and held up to the sun. The body would be thrown down the stairs of the temple/pyramid. The body would be disposed of in various ways, such as feeding animals at the zoo or putting on display (the heads). There are some accounts of cannibalism, but it's uncertain if this was practiced to any great extent. Beliefs and Practices Human Sacrifice to the gods

5. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE AZTECS Learning and Science accurate calendar established schools could set broken bones and treat dental cavities Architecture and Engineering built huge pyramids and palace Tenochtitlan was built on two islands, with water filled in between to make causeway

6. Quetzalcoatl AZTECS ARCHITECTURE

7. THE DESTRUCTION OF THE AZTEC Spanish conquistador—Hernando Cortez was originally driven out by the Aztec, then returned. Cortez’ arrival was at the same time a prophecy regarding Quetzalcoatl, a white skinned god, was supposed to come true. Montezuma assumed Cortez was in fact Quetzalcoatl. Realizing Cortez was not a god, Montezuma gave the Spaniard large amounts of gold and jewels to make them go away, but instead, it made the Spaniards want more. About a year later, Cortez returned with a huge army, aligned with Aztec enemies, and defeated the empire in 1521. It is estimated that 75% of the Aztecs were killed by war or European diseases.