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Nahuatl
The language spoken by the Mexica people
Humble beginnings
The Aztecs emerged as a dominant power from being hunters and gatherers
Calpulli
Clans in Aztec society; later expanded to include residential groups that distributed and provided labor and warriors
Evolving calpulli structure
As Aztec power increased, calpulli evolved from kinship groups to residential groupings, with varying statuses.
Nobles' roles in society
Nobles controlled the priesthood and held military leadership
Nobility's justification
The nobility's status was justified by military virtues linked to the cult of sacrifice.
Flowery death
Death while taking prisoners for sacrifice in Aztec culture.
Military honors and ranks
Military functions and honors differed among ranks, based on experience and success in capturing enemies.
Commoner's social status
Most nobles were born into their class; commoners could be promoted but this was rare.
Technological constraints for women
The lack of the wheel or powered mills made food preparation very labor-intensive.
Population impact on control
High population density in the Aztec state contributed to effective control over vast numbers
Great Speaker
The title given to the ruler of Tenochtitlan.
Political structure of the Aztec empire
Local rulers often stayed in place as tribute collectors, with most power held by the Great Speaker.
Dual purpose of conquests
Aztec conquests aimed to secure tribute for the state and obtain victims for Huitzilopochtli.
Continuation of Mesoamerican civilizations
Aztec society reflected a continuation by adapting and reinterpreting previous civilizations.
Collapse conditions of the Aztec empire
The collapse was influenced by increasing social stresses from the rise of the nobility and the tribute system
Note 
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