The Aztec Empire and Tenochtitlan

These flashcards cover important aspects of the Aztec Empire and its capital, Tenochtitlan, including its structure, economy, and remarkable engineering feats.

Who was Huitzilopochtli?

Huitzilopochtli was the Aztec god of war, sun, human sacrifice, and the patron god of Tenochtitlan.

Who was Xiuhtecuhtli?

Xiuhtecuhtli was the Aztec god of fire, day, and heat, often associated with kings and warriors.

Who was Tezcatlipoca?

Tezcatlipoca was a central Aztec deity associated with the night sky, the night winds, hurricanes, discord, sorcery, earth, and war. He was often seen as the omnipresent, all-seeing god.

Who was Quetzalcoatl?

Quetzalcoatl was an important Aztec god whose name means "feathered serpent." He was associated with wind, air, learning, priesthood, and the arts, and was also a creator god.

Where was Tenochtitlan built?

Tenochtitlan was built on two small islands in the middle of Lake Tetzcoco, now known as Mexico City.

What impressive feats of engineering did the Aztecs develop to build their capital?

The Aztecs merged two smaller islands into a large artificial island, built a 16km dam for flood protection, and constructed a tall stone aqueduct for fresh drinking water.

What was the estimated population of Tenochtitlan?

The population of Tenochtitlan may have been as high as 250,000.

How was Tenochtitlan structured?

Tenochtitlan was divided into four zones or districts, connected by canals and causeways, with each district further divided into calpoltin (groups of houses) that elected leaders and had councils.

What was located at the center of Tenochtitlan?

At the center of Tenochtitlan was a sacred precinct containing temples and the palaces of kings.

Who was the King of the Aztecs in the 1500s?

The King in the 1500s was Moctezuma II.

What was the basis of the Aztec economy?

The basis of the Aztec economy was agriculture, producing maize, fruit, flowers, and vegetables for feeding the population and trading.

What are chinampas?

Chinampas are floating gardens made from soil, vegetation, tree roots, and stakes, tied to stones at the lake bottom, used for fertile agricultural production.

What was the function of the marketplace in Aztec society?

Markets were where Aztecs purchased everyday goods and served as a social venue for meeting friends and sharing news.

How many people did the Aztecs rule?

The Aztecs ruled over 15 million people.

How did the King control Aztec society?

The King controlled Aztec society through laws, courts, and punishments, emphasizing community rights and order.

Who was Pemulwuy?

Pemulwuy was an Aboriginal warrior and resistance leader of the Bidjigal clan, known for leading the Aboriginal resistance against the British colonization of Australia in the late 18th century.

Who was Bennelong?

Bennelong was a senior Eora man of the Wangal clan who acted as an intermediary between the Aboriginal people and the British colonists at Port Jackson during the early years of European settlement in Australia. He famously traveled to England with Governor Arthur Phillip.

What role did Pemulwuy play in early colonial Australia?

Pemulwuy led a guerrilla warfare campaign against the British settlers, raiding farms and clashing with colonial forces in an effort to resist the invasion of his people's land and protect their way of life.

What was Bennelong's significance regarding Aboriginal-British relations?

Bennelong was one of the first Aboriginal individuals to learn English and engage directly with the British, providing crucial insights into Aboriginal culture and customs to the colonists, though his interactions were complex and often controversial within his own community.

How did Pemulwuy's resistance end?

Pemulwuy was eventually shot and killed by British soldiers in 1802. His head was severed and sent to England for study, a controversial act that remains a symbol of colonial violence.

What happened to Bennelong after his return from England?

After returning to Australia, Bennelong found it difficult to fully reintegrate into either Aboriginal or European society, struggling to maintain his traditional authority while also being alienated by colonial expectations. He died