Historia y Cultura de los Mexicas/Aztecas y la Conquista

Vocabulary flashcards covering the history, culture, geography, and conquest of the Mexicas/Aztecas based on historical accounts and primary source terminology.

Mexica

The Náhuatl name for the Aztecs, meaning literally 'los de México' (those of Mexico).

Aztlán

The mythical place of origin of the Aztecs; the term 'azteca' means 'Gente de Aztlán'.

Huitzilopochtli

The Aztec god who commanded them to search for a sacred sign to found their empire and renamed them Mexicas at the start of their pilgrimage.

La señal sagrada

The sacred sign ordered by Huitzilopochtli consisting of an eagle devouring a serpent on a nopal.

México

A Náhuatl word meaning 'el ombligo de la luna' (the navel of the moon).

Tenochtitlan

A Náhuatl word meaning 'lugar del nopal sobre la piedra' (place of the nopal on the stone).

México-Tenochtitlan

The capital city and sacred land of the Mexicas, founded in 1325 on an islet in Lake Texcoco; believed to be the exact connection point of heaven, earth, and the underworlds.

Triple Alianza

The alliance used alongside military conquests by the Mexicas to extend their empire's dominion.

Crónicas españolas y códices indígenas

The two types of texts that help best understand the Conquest by showing history from both points of view.

Carlos V

The King of Spain to whom Hernán Cortés addressed his letters describing his discoveries and conquests.

Cultivos de Tenochtitlán

Maíz, frijoles, chiles y cacao (maize, beans, chilies, and cacao).

Materiales de los artesanos mexicas

Oro, plata, piedra y plumas de colores brillantes (gold, silver, stone, and brightly colored feathers).

Calzadas

Wide stone causeways through which the Spanish entered the city of Tenochtitlán.

Mercado de Tenochtitlán

The central market entered by more than 60,000 people daily, described by Cortés as larger and more organized than markets in Spain.

Moctezuma

The ruler of Tenochtitlán who received Cortés with great respect, offering gifts like gold necklaces, silver jewels, and fine blankets, believing Cortés was a messenger of the gods.

Barbarie

Barbarism; how Cortés characterized Aztec religious practices due to human sacrifice and idolatry.

Códices

Books with drawings (libros con dibujos) used by indigenous peoples to record history.

Antiguos sabios

Old wise men who had previously announced the coming arrival of the gods' messenger.

Calles rectas

Straight streets.

Sacerdotes

Priests.

Leyes

Laws.

Las plumas

Feathers.

Oro

Gold.

Plata

Silver.

Mantas

Fine blankets given as gifts to Cortés by Moctezuma.

Mensajero

Messenger.

Corona

Crown.

Asegurar

Make sure / assure (e.g., asking for more men and weapons to assure the conquest).

Llegada

Arrival.

Una señal

A signal or sign.

Provecho

Benefit, profit, or take advantage of.

Darse cuenta

To realize.

Fray

Friar.

Además

Besides, also.

Guardar

Keep, save.

Dios

God.

Recuerdos

Memories.

Encuentros culturales

Cultural encounters.

Recordar

To remember.

Bárbaros

Barbarians; terms used for people who do not know the true God, worship stone idols, and perform human sacrifices.

Salvajes

Savages.

Civilizados

Civilized.