Mexica Civilization and Historical Change

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on Mexica civilization and the historical changes experienced during this time.

Rapid Change

The process through which transformations occur quickly within a society, as seen in the Mexica empire's historical context.

Tenochtitlan

The capital city of the Mexica Empire, which grew rapidly and is now known as modern Mexico City.

Malinzin

An enslaved Nahua woman who played a crucial role as an interpreter during the Spanish conquest of the Mexica.

Moctezuma II

The ninth ruler of the Mexica Empire, who ruled from 1502 until the arrival of the Spanish.

Fifth Sun

The title of Camilla Townsend's book, which focuses on the history of the Aztecs.

Cortez

Hernán Cortés, the Spanish Conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Mexica Empire.

Tribute Relations

The system of taxation imposed by the Mexica on conquered city-states, often involving the extraction of goods and resources.

Aztlan

The mythical homeland of the Mexica, believed to be located in the north.

Teotihuacan

An ancient city in Mexico known for its monumental architecture, which influenced Mexica culture.

Civilizational Encounter

A historical meeting between two civilizations, such as the Mexica and Spanish, which involved cultural exchanges and conflicts.

Chinampas

Agricultural technology developed by the Mexica involving floating garden beds to create arable land in swampy areas.